UNIT 7
The Age of Jackson and Westward Expansion
LESSON 7
Manifest Destiny in California and the Southwest
Objective: To understand the impact of Manifest Destiny on the acquisition and settlement of California and the Southwest.
Manifest Destiny was the belief held by many Americans in the 19th century that it was their divine right and duty to expand across the continent, from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. This belief influenced American expansionism and had a significant impact on the acquisition and settlement of California and the Southwest.
Acquisition of California:
- California was originally a part of Mexico, but with the growing population of Americans in the region, tensions arose.
- In 1846, the Mexican-American War broke out, and American forces under the leadership of General Stephen Kearny and Commodore Robert Stockton occupied California.
- The war ended in 1848 with the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which ceded California to the United States.
Gold Rush and Settlement:
- In 1848, gold was discovered at Sutter's Mill, which sparked the California Gold Rush.
- Thousands of people flocked to California in search of gold, resulting in a population boom.
- The influx of settlers, known as "forty-niners," led to the rapid growth of cities such as San Francisco and Sacramento.
- The Gold Rush also attracted immigrants from around the world, including China, Mexico, and Europe, contributing to the cultural diversity of California.
Settlement of the Southwest:
- In addition to California, the United States also acquired the Southwest region, including present-day Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Colorado and Wyoming, as a result of the Mexican-American War.
- The acquisition of this territory opened up opportunities for American settlers to expand westward.
- The establishment of the Santa Fe Trail and the Gila River route enabled trade and migration in the region.
- American settlers, known as "Anglos," began to settle in the Southwest, particularly in areas suitable for agriculture and ranching.
- This led to conflicts with the indigenous peoples of the region, such as the Apache and Navajo, who faced displacement and violence.
In conclusion, Manifest Destiny played a crucial role in the acquisition and settlement of California and the Southwest. The belief in the United States' destiny to expand across the continent drove the Mexican-American War, which ultimately led to the acquisition of these territories. The California Gold Rush attracted settlers from around the world, leading to the rapid growth and development of the region. The settlement of the Southwest resulted in conflicts with indigenous peoples, highlighting the negative consequences of Manifest Destiny.