Why did the US settlers have a stronger claim to the land in the pacific northwest
The US settlers had a stronger claim to the land in the Pacific Northwest for several reasons:
1. Treaty agreements: The settlers had legal treaties and agreements with Indigenous tribes and the British government that established their rights to the land. This included the Oregon Treaty of 1846, which established the 49th parallel as the boundary between British and American territory in the region.
2. Settlement and development: The US settlers had actively settled and developed the land in the Pacific Northwest, establishing towns, farms, and infrastructure. Their presence and investment in the region gave them a stronger claim to the land.
3. Military conquest: In some cases, US settlers used military force to conquer and assert control over the land in the Pacific Northwest, displacing Indigenous tribes and competing European powers. This conquest strengthened their claim to the land.
4. Recognition by the US government: The US government officially recognized and supported the settlement of the Pacific Northwest, providing land grants and subsidies to encourage settlement in the region. This backing from the government further legitimized the settlers' claim to the land.