DURING THE 1840'S MANY MORE AMERICANS THAN BRITISH SETTLED IN THE OREGON COUNTRY HOW DID THIS INFLUENCE THE NEGOTIATION OVER THE TERRITORY
Since the Americans were in the majority, they were able to sway the negotiations about whether this territory would be Canadian or belong to the United States.
During the 1840s, more Americans than British settled in the Oregon Country. How do you think this settlement influenced negotiations with the British over the territory?
During the 1840s, there was a significant increase in the number of American settlers compared to British settlers in the Oregon Country. This population imbalance had a considerable influence on the negotiation over the territory.
To understand the impact of this demographic difference on the negotiation over the Oregon Country, we need to consider the historical context. The Oregon Country was a vast region in the Pacific Northwest, which was claimed by both the United States and Britain at the time. The two countries had jointly occupied the area under the Anglo-American Convention of 1818, but as more settlers moved in, tensions grew over the control and ownership of the territory.
The increasing number of American settlers in the Oregon Country during the 1840s created several dynamics that influenced the negotiation process:
1. Political Pressure: The growing American population in the Oregon Country led to an increase in political pressure on the United States government to secure the territory. The concept of "Manifest Destiny" was gaining popularity, advocating for American expansion throughout the continent. The American settlers pushed for the government to assert their claim over the region, which put pressure on the negotiation process with Britain.
2. Economic Interests: The American settlers in the Oregon Country saw economic potential in the fertile land and abundant resources in the area. This economic interest fueled their desire for American control over the territory. Their presence and aspirations for development strengthened the American argument during negotiations, as they could potentially contribute to the region's economic growth.
3. Cultural Dominance: As the number of American settlers increased, they began to establish communities and exert cultural dominance over the region. This cultural influence and Americanization had a significant impact on shaping the identity and aspirations of the Oregon settlers. Their growing presence and dominance made it challenging for Britain to maintain control over the territory, as the majority of settlers favored American authority.
These factors contributed to a shift in power dynamics during the negotiation process. The presence of a larger American population in the Oregon Country gave the United States a stronger bargaining position compared to Britain. The American settlers' pressure, economic interests, and cultural dominance influenced the negotiations, resulting in the eventual resolution through the Oregon Treaty of 1846, which established the boundary between the United States and British North America (Canada) at the 49th parallel.
In summary, the higher number of American settlers compared to British settlers in the Oregon Country during the 1840s played a pivotal role in influencing the negotiation over the territory. The increasing American presence exerted political pressure, represented economic interests, and established cultural dominance, resulting in a stronger bargaining position for the United States and ultimately affecting the resolution of the territory dispute.