54-40 of Fight - Compromise of 1850

The Alamo

A fort where a group of Texans retreated when besieged by the Mexicans (the later largely outnumbering the former). All of the Texans were killed after having held off the Mexicans for some time. Turned into a popular battle cry - "Remember the Alamo!" -for Texas' independence & symbolized bravery in the face of unbeatable odds.

Mexican-American War

Conflict between America and Mexico over southern boundary after annexation of Texas. Lead to Mexican cession.

Free Soil Party

Group of people against the extension on slavery into territories. Demonstrates the trouble with westward expansion and slavery. *The Sectional Debate*

Wilmot Proviso

Introduced an amendment to a bill stating slavery would not exist in any land gained from Mexico. (Fails to pass the Senate & therefore is not passed.) Demonstrates the trouble with westward expansion and slavery. *The Sectional Debate*

California Gold Rush

Mass migration of miners to California in hopes of striking it rich. Populated California.

Oregon Trail

Overland trail that led to Oregon. Native Americans & this trail guided individuals traveling west.

Sam Houston

Politician and military leader that fought to gain independence for Texas from Mexico. Influential in making Texas a part of the United States.

Webster-Ashburton Treaty

Settled northern boundary disputes between US and Britain in Maine, Oregon, and the Great Lakes. US gained Oregon Territory below the 49th parallel.

54-40 or Fight

Slogan that demanded the entirety of the Oregon Territory from Britain. Polk got elected President for coining this phrase which supported westward expansion.

Compromise of 1850

The Resolution to a dispute over slavery in the territory gained after the Mexican American War, created by Henry Clay. 1. Admission of California as a free state. 2. Created Utah and New Mexico as territories who would decide the answer to the question of slavery by popular sovereignty. 3. Settled a Texas - New Mexico boundary dispute in the former's favor. 4. Ended Slave Trade in DC. 5. Stricter fugitive slave law.

Annexation of Texas

The admittance of Texas as a state. Dragged US into the Mexican-American War over boundary disputes.

Manifest Destiny

The belief that expanding from coast to coast was America's God-given right. Encouraged the settlement and development of every state west of the Mississippi River.

Gadsden Purchase

US bought parts of Southern Arizona and New Mexico to complete a railroad. Last boundary change the United State's underwent.

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

US pays $15 million and gains Mexican cession including California. Ended the Mexican-American war and acquired more land for pioneers to settle.

Davy Crockett

United States frontiersman. Other Americans viewed him as a hero and wanted to "conquer" the west as well, furthering expansion.