Manifest DESTINY [APUSH Review Unit 5 Topic 2] Period 5: 1844-1877

Summary

The video script delves into the concept of Manifest Destiny, a driving force behind 19th-century American westward expansion. It traces the idea from its inception by newspaper editor John O'Sullivan, who coined the term, to its practical implications, such as the California Gold Rush and the Preemption Acts that opened vast lands for settlement. The script also explores the religious motivations behind westward movement, notably the migration of Mormons to Utah. Politically, Manifest Destiny influenced the election of James K. Polk, who sought to annex Texas and Oregon, leading to treaties with Mexico and Britain, respectively. The summary concludes with a teaser for the next video, which will cover the Mexican-American War, a direct consequence of the annexation of Texas.

Takeaways

• 📜 The time period covered in the video is from 1844 to 1877, focusing on Unit 5 of the AP U.S. History curriculum.
• 🌏 Westward expansion was a significant drive for Americans in the 18th and 19th centuries, leading to the concept of Manifest Destiny.
• 🎯 John O’Sullivan coined the term 'Manifest Destiny', suggesting that it was a God-given right for the U.S. to spread from the Atlantic to the Pacific Oceans.
• 💰 Practical reasons for westward expansion included the need for access to mineral and natural resources, exemplified by the California Gold Rush in 1848.
• 🏡 The Preemption Acts of the 1830s and 1840s made land available for cheap, encouraging middle-class migration for homesteading opportunities.
• 🕊️ Religious refugees, such as the Mormons fleeing persecution, sought new settlements in the west, particularly in the Utah Territory.
• 🗳️ James K. Polk's election in 1844 was influenced by his belief in Manifest Destiny, with a focus on acquiring Texas and Oregon for the U.S.
• 🏛️ The annexation of Texas was a contentious issue due to its status as part of Mexico, leading to a rebellion and subsequent claim of independence by Texas.
• 🤝 The Oregon Territory dispute between the U.S. and Britain was resolved with the 49th parallel as the dividing line after a treaty was ratified by the Senate.
• 🚫 The Mexican government did not recognize Texas's independence, and the U.S. annexation of Texas threatened to lead to war with Mexico.
• 📈 The video emphasizes the importance of understanding Manifest Destiny and its implications for AP U.S. History students aiming for high grades and exam success.

Q & A

What is the time period covered in Unit 5 of the AP U.S. History curriculum?

The time period covered in Unit 5 of the AP U.S. History curriculum is from 1844 to 1877.

What was the term coined by John O’Sullivan to describe the American impulse to expand westward?

The term coined by John O’Sullivan to describe the American impulse to expand westward is 'Manifest Destiny'.

According to O’Sullivan, who gave Americans the destiny to possess the whole continent?

According to O’Sullivan, Providence, which is another way of saying God, gave Americans the destiny to possess the whole continent.

What was one of the practical reasons for westward expansion mentioned in the script?

One of the practical reasons for westward expansion mentioned in the script was the need for more access to mineral and natural resources, such as the discovery of gold in California in 1848.

What was the Preemption Acts' role in westward expansion?

The Preemption Acts, passed by Congress during the 1830s and 1840s, made vast tracts of land available for cheap to anyone who wanted to buy it, set up a homestead, and start farming.

Why did the Mormons migrate to the Utah Territory?

The Mormons migrated to the Utah Territory as a form of religious refuge due to persecution they faced in the midwest states, largely because of their practice of polygamy.

Which U.S. president was a strong believer in Manifest Destiny and had ambitions to annex Texas and Oregon?

James K. Polk was a strong believer in Manifest Destiny and had ambitions to annex Texas and Oregon.

What was the Mexican government's stance on slavery within its borders?

The Mexican government had outlawed slavery within its borders, which was intolerable to the American settlers in Texas.

What was the outcome of the Battle of San Jacinto between Texas and Mexico?

In the Battle of San Jacinto, the Texans, led by Sam Houston, captured the Mexican general and forced him to sign a treaty granting Texas independence.

How was the Oregon Territory dispute between the United States and Britain resolved?

The Oregon Territory dispute was resolved by an agreement that divided the territory at the 49th parallel after a treaty was ratified by the U.S. Senate.

What was the immediate consequence of the annexation of Texas for the United States?

The immediate consequence of the annexation of Texas for the United States was that it led the country into war with Mexico, as Mexico did not recognize Texas's independence.

What was the demographic of the majority of people who migrated west during the westward expansion?

The majority of people who migrated west during the westward expansion were largely middle class, as the journey required some financial means.