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The American Fur Company is Founded
The American Fur Company also took part in the westward expansion of America. Since fur trappers and traders needed somewhere to find furs and quickly exhausted supplies in the east, they needed to explore westward. -
Mexican Independence from Spain
"a todo el mundo...[I am] repentent for the incalculable ills which have originated out of the frenzy which possessed [me] to break so scandalously with the King, the nation, and Christian morality..." (Statement extracted by Inquisitors prior to execution 1811). This statement showed that Father Miguel Hidalgo repented his sins before his execution for the death of many and rebelling against the King. Although he repented for it, it still led to the eventual success of Mexico's rebellion. -
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Mexican Revolution
This spanned the original revolution where Mexico broke off from Spain to become independent.
"Madero has started the job but he won't finish it because the lion has been awakened" (Porfirio Diaz after resigning as president and on his way to exile in Europe). -
Fur Traders and Trappers Begin Laying Down the Oregon Trail
In 1811, the foundations of the Oregon Trail began to be laid out, which would become one of the most vital tools in America's western expansion. -
The Santa Fe Trail is Established
Similar to the Oregon Trail, the Santa Fe trail assisted pioneers, fur traders, and other laborers to move westward. It played a key role in the early American economy, acting as fuel for the American Fur Company. -
Mexico wins Independence from Spain
"Long live the heroes that gave us the Fatherland! " (Cheers on victory day).
This represents the great pride and joy that was let out by many individuals on the day of independence. The Fatherland portion of it represents the land in Mexico that they all inhabited where their founding fathers landed by boat. -
Stephen F. Austin Gains Land in Texas
Stephen F Austin was another important figure in the westward expansion, as his claims in Texas influenced many Americans to move there. "In all, more than 1,200 families were brought to the area through Austin's efforts, earning him the title 'Father of Texas'"(www.u-s-history.com). -
Mexico Creates a Declaration of Independence
“The decree of the 3d October, therefore, if carried into effect, evidently leaves no remedy for Texas but resistance, secession from Mexico, and a direct to natural rights” (Austin 1836).
This quote explains that the Declaration of Independence from Mexico provides Texas resistance, seperates it from Mexico, and natural rights of humans. -
The Battle of the Alamo starts
"I call on you in the name of Liberty, of patriotism, and everything dear to the American character, to come to our aid with all dispatch...VICTORY OR DEATH." (William Travis).
Travis was one of the leaders of the men who also encouraged the Alamo defenders to fight to the last man for their country. -
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The Battle of the Alamo
"REMEMBER THE ALAMO!!!" (Revolution war chants). -
Texas Declaration
This was the official declaration that Texas wanted independence.
"Texas will again lift it's head and stand among the nations. It ought to do so, for no country upon the globe can compare with it in natural advantages." (Sam Houston).
Texas was entitled to independence and should join the United States, while it has great natural advantages that could benefit the United States. -
The Alamo Defenders fall
The Battle of the Alamo gives victory to the Mexicans, but raises morale greatly for the Texians.
"The enemy fought with savage fury, and met death with all its horrors, without shrinking or complaining: not one asked to be spared, but fought as long as they could stand or sit." (Davy Crockett).
The Alamo defenders fought to the last man in terms of soldiers in pride for their country. -
The Texas Revolution starts
"A leader is someone who helps improve the lives of other people or improve the system they live under" (Sam Houston).
Santa Anna destroyed the Constitution and became a dictator. This tempted the Texians to revolt from Mexico. -
Battle of San Jacinto
The Texians defeat Santa Anna, forcing him to sign a treaty declaring Texas independence.
"”We view ourselves on the eve of battle. We are nerved for the contest, and must conquer or perish. It is vain to look for present aid: none is at hand. We must now act or abandon all hope! Rally to the standard, and be no longer the scoff of mercenary tongues! Be men, be free men, that your children
may bless their father’s name" (Sam Houston). The Texians had great force and will to fight Mexico. -
Mexico Texas Peace Treaty
The Americans force Santa Anna to sign the treaty after the Battle of San Jacinto, thus winning the Texas revolution. -
James K. Polk is Elected President
A former legislature and governer of Tennessee who was elected to run against Henry Clay for president. During his time as president, America expanded it's territory by more than one-third. -
Manifest Destiny
America believed it was their fate, given to them by God, to expand their land westward to the Pacific Ocean.
The exact date is unknown, but John O'Sullivan originally coined the phrase 'Manifest Destiny' in 1845.
"Yes, we are the nation of progress, of individual freedom, of universal enfranchisement...This is our high destiny... ..inevitable decree of cause and effect we must accomplish it... ...The immutable truth and beneficence of God." (John O'Sullivan) -
Texas Enters the Union
Texas approves the annexation and agrees to join the United States. -
Transfer of Authority
A ceremony in which Texas president Anson Jones gives the reins of state government to James Pinckney Henderson
"The final act in this great drama is now performed; the Republic of Texas is no more." (Anson Jones) -
The Mexican-American War begins
"Mexico has passed the boundary of the United States, has invaded our territory, and shed American blood upon the American soil...The two nations are now at war" (Polk). This explains president Polk using a Mexican-American scrimmage to gain more support against the Mexicans so America can gain new territory. -
The Treaty of Oregon
A treaty signed between Great Britain and the United States that gave America the souther part of Oregon. It settled the 49th parallel as a border between the countries. -
The Bear Flag Revolt
American settlers in California stole horses from a Mexican Military commandmant to sieze the town of Sonoma (John Bidwell). This caused the Californios to be imprisoned and secured Californian independence but the United States then took California soon after the revolt. -
Brigham Young Moves Mormons West
Source
Mormons were heavily persecuted in America, and so after the death of Joseph Smith, Brigham Young moved, "...an exodus of persecuted Mormons from Nauvoo, Illinois, along the western wagon trails in search of religious and political freedom"(www.history.com). -
The Mexican-American War Ends
General Zachary Taylor defeats Mexican General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna at the Battle of Buena Vista after two days of endless fighting ( Samuel McNiell). Santa Anna retreated from heavy casualties thus securing the victory to America by leaving the battlegrounds. -
Gold discovery
James Marshall discovers gold at Sutter's Mill. James Marshall was working on building a saw mill and found gold in a small, man-made canal that branched off the river to provide waterflow to power the mill. Marshall is quoted as saying, "...it made my heart thump, for I was certain it was gold." He and John Sutter tried their hardest to keep it a secret. -
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
The United States and Mexico signed the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo that forced Mexico to to turn over its northern territory to the United States, Mexico also recieved fifteen-million dollars in exchange for the territory. "Justice could be served only by Mexico's full surrender, including surrender of territory (Trist). -
Brannon Shows Gold
Sam Brannan rode through the streets holding up a vile of gold flakes and shouting, "Gold! Gold on the American River." So he was telling everyone that there was gold and providing physical proof. He owned a general store and wanted to sell supplies to miners. After that, the secret that John Sutter and James Marshall were keeping was out. -
President Polk Confirms Gold
A lot of people thought that the story about the discovery of gold was false. President James K. Polk acknowledged that gold was discovered in Claifornia in his State of the Union Address and said that "...the supplies are very large..." The speech made more people believe the story. -
Gold Rushers Collect in Missouri
More gold rushers used over land routes than sea routes. In April 1849 they gathered in Missouri and waited for the prarie to dry out, so they could crass it. On April 15, 1849, Alden Rice Grout wrote, "The roads are lined with California bond wagons." He was in Missouri. Crossing the prarie was the first step in the journey to California to find gold. It was dangerous. Alden Rice Grout wrote to his wife, "We hear of the cholera having been very fatal..", but he still traveled to California. -
The Gadsden Purchase
The Gadsden purchase secured another strip of land for the United States in exchange for an additional ten-million dollars to Mexico. "The reclamation scheme is both feasible and desirable.
