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United States
The land from the east coast to the Mississippi River was acquired in 1783 after the 13 colonies gained independence from Britain. The land was a part of the provisions of the Treaty of Paris--which ended the Revolutionary War. -
Louisiana Purchase
The Louisiana Purchase was bought in 1803 under President Thomas Jefferson. It was acquired from France (Napolean) who was desperate for cash. It's primary purpose served to allow full access to the Mississippi River. -
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West Florida Annexation
Just a few short years after the Lousiana Purchase was acquired, the region of West Florida was annexed (the United States believed it was included in the Louisiana Purchase). However, it wasn't until the Adams-Onis Treaty in 1819 that the rest of West Florida was negotiated. -
Red River Cession
Previously owned by Britain, the Red River Cession was acquired in 1818. This Cession came when Britain and the United States agreed to make the northern border between what is now Canada the US at the 49th parallel (Minnesota to the Rocky Mountains). -
East Florida
East Florida was a province of Spanish Florida beginning in 1783. It was ceded to the United States in 1819 in the Adams-Onis Treaty. -
Webster Ashburton Treaty
Signed on August 9th, 1842, the Webster–Ashburton Treaty fixed several border disputes between the remaining British colonies in North America and the United States. Signed under John Tyler's Presidency, it ended the Aroostook War--a non-violent conflict over the border of Maine. -
Texas Annexation
Apart of the Manifest Destiny plan under James K. Polk, the annexation of Texas took place on December 29th, 1845. Texas was admitted into the union as the 28th state. -
Oregon Territory
The Oregon Territory was negotiated in a compromise with Britain to divide it at the 49th parallel (the agreed-upon border between Canada and the US). -
Mexican Cession
Following the American Victory in the Mexican-American War, the Treaty of Guadelupe Hidalgo arranged for a cession of land by Mexica. Acquired in 1848, the Mexican Cession completed the "sea to shining sea" vision. -
Gadsden Purchase
In order to build a cross-country railroad, the United States acquired the Gadsden Purchase for $10 million in 1853. This further fulfilled the idea of Manifest Destiny and demonstrated American imperialism.