Manifest Destiny Webquest

What was the result of the revolution?

After the revolution, Texas gained its independence, electing Sam Houston as president. In 1837, Texas asked the United States to annex Texas, hoping to become a state. Yet, President Andrew Jackson worried this would upset the Union's balance of free and slave states and might start a war with Mexico. So, he didn't annex Texas, but recognized their independence. Texas wasn't recognized as an independent nation by Mexico until 1844. After Texas legalized slavery, they became a state in 1845 after the U.S. approved annexation.

Is the statement True or False? 2. The U.S. acquired all its territory peacefully from countries that wanted to sell land.

False

Is the statement True or False? 3. "Manifest Destiny" is a phrase that comes from the U.S. Constitution.

False

Is the statement True or False? 4. "Manifest" means "many festivals."

False

Is the statement True or False? 7. In the 1840s, most Americans thought it would be greedy to expand across the whole continent.

False

Is the statement True or False? 9. The issue of manifest destiny disappeared after the 1840s.

False

Describe what happened at the Battle of the Alamo.

Following a 13-day siege by American rebels living in Texas who settled after the Austin family arrived, Mexican troops under President General Antonio López de Santa Anna launched an assault on the Alamo Mission near modern-day San Antonio killing all of the Texian defenders. This occurred as a result of the American immigrants who refused to respect Mexican customs became border jumpers and illegally entered Mexico. Texas wanted to gain independence from Mexico, but Mexico wanted to establish control. With the first attempt at freedom, 185 Texans tried to hold off 5,000-6,000 Mexican troops. Even after holding the fort, Santa Anna kills all of the freedom fighters at the Alamo.

Louisiana Purchase: Will these states enter Union as a free or slave state?

The Missouri Compromise was established so as to maintain a balanced representation of free and slave states.

Louisiana Purchase: When these 13 territories become future U.S. states, what will be the central question of concern in the North and South?

The question will be "Will these territories enter the Union as free or slave territories?"

Was the war a plot to extend slavery? Why or Why not?

The war was not a plot to extend slavery, but merely to expand U.S. territory. Northern abolitionists opposed the war because they feared southerners would try to establish slavery in any new territories acquired as a result of the war. Some pro-slavery southerners, such as John C. Calhoun also opposed the war because they worried that new territories might ban slavery. Since the issue of slavery was so divided and not clear upon declaring the war, the war was not a plot to extend slavery, but to expand the U.S., and usage of the land gained would later be decided upon.

How was the issue resolved?

This issue was resolved in 1845, when the U.S. approved annexation after Texas legalized slavery upon Polk's election for president and yearn for manifest destiny.

Is the statement True or False? 1. The "manifest destiny" mindset existed before the phrase "manifest destiny" was ever used.

True

Is the statement True or False? 10. Most American settlers saw Native Americans as similar to wild animals.

True

Is the statement True or False? 5. The Louisiana Purchase doubled the size of the U.S. in 1803.

True

Is the statement True or False? 6. People who supported manifest destiny generally believed the American way of life was superior to all others.

True

Is the statement True or False? 8. Mexico gave up a large part of its territory to the U.S.

True

Why did the Texas Revolution begin?

The Texas revolution began because, after more than 20,000 Americans had moved to Mexican Texas yet failed to adapt to Mexican culture, follow Mexican laws, or remain loyal, the Mexican government tried to establish control. They limited American immigration to Texas, tried to keep settlers from bringing in slaves, raised tariffs on American goods, and sent more soldiers to Texas. The Americans refused to respect Mexico's border laws and became border jumpers. With the revolution, The Texas Army, under command of Sam Houston, defeated General Santa Anna's army and avenges the American losses at the Alamo. Texans captured Santa Anna and forced him to give Texas its independence.

3. Would John O' Sullivan think the U.S. war against Mexico was justified?

Yes, John O'Sullivan would think the U.S. war against Mexico was justified because the war would contribute to America's expansion and economically and politically advance and progress, meeting God's plan for America. Finally, establishment and survival of a great nation of futurity will only be allowed to prosper, if not enhanced, through the fighting of this war; America can establish dominance and gain control of the Pacific to fulfil God's wishes.

Was the war a plot by President Polk to steal land from Mexico? Why or why not?

Yes, the war was a plot by President Polk to steal land from Mexico, because he wanted to annex New Mexico and California, which Mexico had possession of at the time. He also wanted to settle the Texas boundary dispute, and doing so would decide who would possess this territory. Possessing Texas would benefit the U.S. in ports and expansion with Manifest Destiny. Also, the majority of the states from the Louisiana Purchase are free, as there are very few states below the 36/30 parallel, so representation in Congress may be unbalanced and cause friction and slavery will become a much disputed issue. Therefore, this was a plot to steal land from Mexico.

Is the statement referring to Manifest Destiny, Modern Day or Both? 10. Land that is left in its natural state is wasted land.

Manifest Destiny

Is the statement referring to Manifest Destiny, Modern Day or Both? 4. The more land the United States controls, the better.

Manifest Destiny

Is the statement referring to Manifest Destiny, Modern Day or Both? 5. Americans should be free to settle any area where the people are not civilized.

Manifest Destiny

Is the statement referring to Manifest Destiny, Modern Day or Both? 7. It's okay to take land from neighboring countries and make it part of the U.S.

Manifest Destiny

Why did Americans begin to migrate to Texas?

Many Americans began to migrate to Texas as a result of bribery from Mexico. Mexico lured Americans to Texas, promising cheap land or free land grants from the government. In order to receive the free land, Americans had to become Mexican citizens and obey Mexican laws, so they moved to Texas. They also had to support the Roman Catholic Church

1. According to O'Sullivan, what is manifest destiny?

According to O'Sullivan, manifest destiny is the belief that the United States is "destined to be the great nation of futurity" and that the U.S. has been chosen to expand from sea to shining sea westward and across the entire North American Continent.

2. According to O'Sullivan, what makes the United States more destined for greatness than other countries?

According to O'Sullivan, the United States is more destined for greatness than other countries because God designated America to attain the entire North American continent and become a major political and economic power. He believed America had been specifically chosen to possess this land and set a following example for other countries. He believed the birth of our nation connected our country to the past and the future, and that the formation of this country "was the beginning of a new history", being a country of all countries.

What was the outcome of the U.S. Mexican war?

After American settlers led the Bear Flag Revolt against Mexican forces in California, which was followed by the arrival of U.S. military forces, after the war Americans claimed control of California in August 1846. It was then disputed whether or not California should be a slave state. In addition, we acquired Texas along with the Mexican Cession and the Gadsden Purchase.

Is the statement referring to Manifest Destiny, Modern Day or Both? 1. America is a great nation

Both

Is the statement referring to Manifest Destiny, Modern Day or Both? 3. Liberty and equality are important values.

Both

Is the statement referring to Manifest Destiny, Modern Day or Both? 8. America needs to be a strong nation so it can stand up to other nations.

Both

I the statement referring to Manifest Destiny, Modern Day or Both? 2. Liberty means everyone has the right to live free and not as a slave

Modern Day

Is the statement referring to Manifest Destiny, Modern Day or Both? 6. Equality means everyone should be treated equally regardless of race or color.

Modern Day

Is the statement referring to Manifest Destiny, Modern Day or Both? 9. Native American cultures are valuable and should be preserved.

Modern Day

What was the cause of the U. S. Mexican War?

The cause of the U.S. Mexican war was that President Polk wanted to win the Texas boundary dispute over the location relative to the Rio Grande (and eventually gain New Mexico and California). Since he couldn't do so peacefully through diplomacy and excess pressure, he decided to send General Taylor to the Rio Grande. Upon this action, Taylor was attacked by Mexican forces, Congress was informed, and war on Mexico was declared.

What was the key problem that faced the U.S. with the annexation of Texas?

The issue was that President Andrew Jackson worried annexing Texas as a state would upset the Union's balance of free and slave states and might start a war with Mexico.