American Pageant Chapter 17 APUSH Review

Summary

This video explores the administrations of John Tyler and James K. Polk from 1840 to 1848, highlighting the political dynamics of the era. After William Henry Harrison's brief presidency, Tyler's conflicts with the Whig Party and attempts to annex Texas set the stage for Polk's election. Polk's agenda centered on Manifest Destiny, aiming to expand U.S. territory, including the contentious annexation of Texas and the acquisition of California. The Mexican-American War followed, fueled by tensions over slavery, culminating in the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which significantly altered U.S. borders and reignited national debates on slavery.

Takeaways

• 😀 The election of 1840 marked the rise of the Whig Party, with William Henry Harrison and John Tyler as key candidates.
• 😢 William Henry Harrison served the shortest presidential term, dying just 32 days after taking office.
• 🗳️ John Tyler's presidency was marked by conflicts with the Whig Party due to his Democratic beliefs, including vetoing important bills.
• 🇺🇸 Tyler pursued the annexation of Texas, but faced significant opposition from both the Whigs and Democrats.
• 🏆 James K. Polk emerged as a 'dark horse' candidate in 1844, successfully campaigning on the promise of territorial expansion.
• 🌍 The concept of 'Manifest Destiny' suggested it was America's divine right to expand westward, often at the expense of other nations and peoples.
• 🌲 The Oregon Treaty of 1846 peacefully resolved the Oregon dispute, establishing the 49th parallel as the U.S.-Canada border.
• ⚔️ The Mexican-American War began due to conflicts over Texas and the disputed border, significantly straining U.S.-Mexico relations.
• 📜 The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848 expanded U.S. territory by one-third, acquiring California and New Mexico.
• 💣 The territorial gains from the Mexican-American War intensified debates over slavery in new territories, setting the stage for future national conflicts.

Q & A

Who were the key figures in the election of 1840?

The key figures were William Henry Harrison, the Whig candidate, and his vice president, John Tyler, a former Democrat who joined the Whig ticket.

What happened to William Henry Harrison after he took office?

William Henry Harrison died after only 32 days in office, making him the shortest-serving president in U.S. history.

What were some conflicts between John Tyler and the Whig Party?

John Tyler vetoed bills aimed at re-establishing the National Bank and ended the Independent Treasury System, leading to significant conflicts with Whig leaders like Henry Clay and Daniel Webster.

What was the significance of the term 'Manifest Destiny'?

Manifest Destiny was the belief that it was America's destiny to expand its territory across the continent, often accompanied by notions of racial superiority and a mission to civilize.

How did John Tyler attempt to build his political following?

John Tyler attempted to build his following by advocating for the annexation of Texas, which he pursued despite opposition from the Whig Party.

Who was James K. Polk, and what were his main campaign goals?

James K. Polk was the Dark Horse candidate who won the presidency in 1844. His main campaign goals included the annexation of Texas, lowering tariffs, and pursuing expansionist policies, particularly regarding Oregon and California.

What was the outcome of the Oregon dispute during Polk's presidency?

The Oregon dispute was peacefully resolved with the Oregon Treaty of 1846, establishing the 49th parallel as the boundary between the United States and Canada.

What triggered the Mexican-American War?

The Mexican-American War was triggered by the strained relations between the U.S. and Mexico, particularly after Polk's attempt to purchase California was rejected and U.S. forces were attacked in disputed territory.

What were the main consequences of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo?

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo resulted in the U.S. acquiring California, New Mexico, and a large portion of the Southwest, increasing U.S. territory by one-third and exacerbating tensions over slavery in the new territories.

How did Northern opposition to the Mexican-American War manifest?

Northern opposition included protests from figures like Abraham Lincoln, who questioned the justification for the war, and the introduction of the Wilmot Proviso, which sought to ban slavery in territories acquired from Mexico.