This is what my teacher wrote up on the board today and i was needing some help with it i don't really understand it all...
This is exactly what he wrote:
In a page-long essay describe how we got Texas Include: Stephen Austin, Zachary Taylor, Manifest destiny, Santa Anna, James K. Polk, Treaty of Guadalupe.
Any help you have please help me! thanks you!
Of course! I'd be happy to help you break down the information written on the board and guide you through writing an essay on how Texas was acquired.
To start, let's look at the key terms and figures mentioned:
1. Stephen Austin: Stephen F. Austin was an American empresario, or land agent, who played a significant role in the colonization of Texas by bringing American settlers to the region in the early 19th century.
2. Zachary Taylor: Zachary Taylor was a general in the United States Army who later became the 12th President of the United States. He played a pivotal role in the Mexican-American War, which had implications for the acquisition of Texas.
3. Manifest Destiny: Manifest Destiny was a belief prevalent in the 19th century that it was the ordained fate or right of the United States to expand its territory from coast to coast.
4. Santa Anna: Santa Anna, also known as General Antonio López de Santa Anna, was a prominent Mexican military officer and statesman who served as president of Mexico multiple times. He played a significant role in the tensions between Mexico and Texas.
5. James K. Polk: James Knox Polk was the 11th President of the United States and is notable for his territorial expansionist policies, including the acquisition of Texas and the Oregon Territory.
6. Treaty of Guadalupe: The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, signed in 1848, ended the Mexican-American War and resulted in Mexico ceding a significant amount of territory to the United States, including Texas.
Now, let's proceed with an outline for your essay:
Introduction:
- Provide a brief overview of the topic and its historical context.
- State your thesis: Explain that you will discuss the various individuals and events that contributed to the acquisition of Texas.
Body paragraphs:
1. Stephen Austin:
- Describe Stephen Austin's role as an empresario in facilitating American settlement in Texas.
- Explain how he established the first American colony in Texas and his efforts to promote and develop the region.
2. Zachary Taylor and the Mexican-American War:
- Discuss the Mexican-American War and Zachary Taylor's involvement as a general in the United States' military campaign.
- Explain how the war was a crucial factor in the United States' commitment to acquiring Texas.
3. Manifest Destiny:
- Define the concept of Manifest Destiny and its influence on American expansion.
- Discuss how the idea of Manifest Destiny justified the annexation of Texas by claiming it as America's destiny to expand westward.
4. Santa Anna and Texas Independence:
- Explain how Santa Anna, as the Mexican president, played a pivotal role in the tensions and conflicts between Mexico and Texas.
- Describe the Texan struggle for independence, including the infamous battle at the Alamo.
5. James K. Polk and the Treaty of Guadalupe:
- Discuss the election of James K. Polk as the 11th President of the United States and his commitment to territorial expansion.
- Describe how Polk's presidency led to the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and the subsequent acquisition of Texas.
Conclusion:
- Summarize the key points discussed in the essay, emphasizing the significant individuals and events that contributed to the acquisition of Texas.
- Restate the significance of this acquisition in terms of Manifest Destiny and the territorial expansion of the United States.
Remember, this structure is just a guideline, and you can modify it based on your preference and the information you want to highlight in your essay. Good luck!