The new country of the U.S. began rapid expansion. Initially, by the 1830-40’s America was expanding into the southwest. John L. O’Sullivan, Ney York journalist captured the phrase “manifest destiny” in the 1840’s. The idea of manifest destiny was developed. Manifest destiny was the belief or doctrine, held chiefly in the middle and latter part of the 19th century, that it was the destiny of the U.S. to expand its territory over the whole of North America and to extend and enhance its political, social, and economic influences. (Dictionary .com). Manifest destiny was substantial in the U.S. to justify an imperialistic grab of Mexican land in California, Texas, and New Mexico. Expansion into the western frontiers offered opportunities for self-advancement. …show more content…
It excluded those who were incapable of self- government such as Native Americans and those of non-European origin. They had this need and desire for it. Some economic, social, and political, pressure to expand in the U.S. dealt with many things such as experiencing what was known as the baby boom. This really increased the birth rates and growth of population due to immigration. Agriculture was so important in providing economic structure; many large families worked them, which was a huge asset for the U.S. In the 1800’s, the U.S. grew from more than 5 million to more than 23 million by mid-century. Thus, there was definitely a need to expand westward to accommodate this rapid growth. The U.S. also suffered from two terrible economic …show more content…
Without a doubt, having President Polk as the president meant that there would be no other solution besides the war, which Mexico did not want to get involved with because they didn’t have the resources. Polk really wanted California so he dispatched an emissary to Mexico offering purchase to this region, but Mexico refused and didn’t want to negotiate. In 1846, Polk sprung for military action and in April, the American soldiers moved into regions between the Nueces River and the riot Grande. Combat took place on three fronts. In June 1846, Captain /john C. Fremont adopted a flag depicting a large bear as the symbol of the areas independence. A month later the U.S. Navy raised the American flag in the Monterey and San Francisco harbors. Then almost 1600 American troops, under general Stephen W. Kearney occupied Santa Fe, where they helped put an end to a Mexican uprising against American rule. Most of the fighting occurred in central Mexico and in February 1848, the governments agreed to the treaty of Guadalupe hidalgo, which confirmed the annexation of Texas and ceded California, new Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah. In exchange the U.S. paid Mexico