War & Expansion: Crash Course US History #17

Summary

This Crash Course U.S. history episode explores the expansionist movement of Manifest Destiny, which led to the acquisition of Texas and California. It discusses the economic motivations, the Mexican-American War, and the political maneuvering that resulted in the U.S. extending from the Atlantic to the Pacific. The video also touches on the challenges faced by the Mexican and Native American populations post-annexation, and the tensions that arose from the expansion, foreshadowing the Civil War.

Takeaways

• 😀 The script discusses the U.S. acquisition of Texas and California, two of its largest states, through various historical events and policies.
• 🌏 The concept of 'Manifest Destiny' is highlighted, which was used to justify the U.S.'s expansion from the Atlantic to the Pacific Oceans, often disregarding the rights of existing inhabitants.
• 📜 Economic factors played a significant role in westward expansion, with Thomas Jefferson's 'empire of liberty' idea being a key influence.
• 🏰 The script mentions the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto as pivotal moments leading to Texas's independence from Mexico and subsequent annexation by the U.S.
• 🤔 The issue of slavery is touched upon, with its impact on the political decisions of the time, including the balance of power in the Senate.
• 🏛️ The Oregon Trail and its significance in westward migration is referenced, along with the hardships faced by those who traveled it, such as disease.
• 🌉 The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo is discussed as the agreement that ended the Mexican-American War and resulted in Mexico ceding territories to the U.S., including California.
• 🏔️ The acquisition of California is detailed, including the discovery of gold which led to a massive influx of people and the state's eventual admission to the Union as a free state.
• 🏛️ The Compromise of 1850 is outlined, which attempted to address the tensions between the North and South regarding slavery and statehood.
• 📜 The script also touches on the treatment of Mexican Americans and Native Americans post-acquisition, highlighting the discrimination and injustice they faced.
• 📚 The episode concludes with a reflection on the U.S.'s failure to live up to its own ideals during this period of expansion and the long-term consequences of these actions.

Q & A

What does the term 'Manifest Destiny' refer to in the context of U.S. history?

Manifest Destiny refers to the widely held belief in the 19th century that the United States was destined to expand across the North American continent from the Atlantic seaboard to the Pacific Ocean, often disregarding the rights of the indigenous people and other inhabitants.

Why did Mexico initially allow Americans to bring slaves into Texas?

Although slavery was abolished in Mexico, they initially allowed Americans to bring slaves into Texas to encourage economic development and settlement in the region.

What event marked the beginning of the revolt for independence in Texas?

The revolt for independence in Texas began when Mexican General Antonio Lopez de Santa Ana decided to assert control over the territory with an army, in response to demands for greater autonomy and the right to use slave labor from the American settlers and some Tejano elites.

What was the significance of the battle of San Jacinto?

The battle of San Jacinto was significant because it led to the defeat of Santa Ana and forced Mexico to recognize Texas's independence, paving the way for Texas to become the Lone Star Republic and eventually join the United States.

Why was Texas initially not accepted into the United States as a state?

Texas was initially not accepted into the United States because its admission as a slave state would disrupt the balance in the Senate, and politicians at the time chose to ignore the issue.

What was the role of the Oregon Trail in the westward expansion of the United States?

The Oregon Trail was a significant route for westward expansion, with nearly 300,000 people making the journey by 1860. It has been immortalized in the classic educational video game 'Oregon Trail,' which reflects the hardships and challenges faced by settlers, including disease and the struggle for survival.

Why did President Polk send troops into the disputed border region with Mexico?

President Polk sent troops under Zachary Taylor into the disputed border region to assert U.S. claims on the territory, which ultimately led to a conflict with Mexico and the Mexican-American War.

What was the outcome of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo?

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ended the Mexican-American War, with Mexico ceding California and other territories to the United States, and the U.S. paying Mexico $15 million and agreeing not to return Texas.

How did the discovery of gold in California impact the population and its eventual statehood?

The discovery of gold in California in 1848 led to a massive influx of settlers, increasing the non-Indian population from 15,000 to 200,000 by 1852 and to 360,000 on the eve of the Civil War, which facilitated California's eventual admission to the Union as a free state.

What were the main components of the Compromise of 1850?

The Compromise of 1850 consisted of four main components: 1) California was admitted as a free state, 2) The slave trade, but not slavery itself, was outlawed in Washington D.C., 3) A new fugitive slave law was enacted, and 4) Popular sovereignty was established, allowing local white inhabitants in the remaining territories to decide whether their state would be slave or free.