Manifest Destiny and U.S. Expansion

Thesis

The era of manifest destiny was based on the idea of entitlement which shaped the lives of people over time.

Vocabulary

manifest destinyannexjustificationpropaganda

U.S. policy makers had always been interested in expanding its control to the _____ Ocean.The early British colonies had a history that contributed to its _____.After Mexico gained its independence from ____, U.S. political leaders such as President Polk made plans to exploit its ____.

Anglo Americans believed that it was God’s will for the U.S. to conquer __ ___ from east to west.American expansionists would take advantage of Mexico’s political i______.After Mexico had gained its independence from Spain, it was in disarray and easily targeted for i_____.Some U.S. leaders feared Russian s_______ into California territory.In 1829, the Mexican government passed an a____-slave law.

Mexico promoted Anglo immigration into Texas territory to serve as a buffer against N__ A___ raids.Anglo Americans in Texas were having problems with Mexico because they wouldn’t become C_____, learn Spanish, obey Mexican law, or adopt the culture of Mexico.In 1833, Santa Ana pronounced against Farias and abolished the Mexican C________.

Anglo Americans continued to pour into Mexican _____ even though the Mexican government made it illegal.Violence between illegal Anglo American immigrants and Mexican soldiers ______.Most Anglo Americans viewed Mexicans as “b_____” and obstacles to “p_____.” A push to strengthen the Mexican central government caused fear in Anglo immigrants.Texas declared ______ in 1833.

The struggle for Texas independence conflicted with the idea of Texans owning ____.Santa Ana was captured by Texans and, while held prisoner, signed away Texas independence.

The Mexican government refused to accept the agreement, but it was too late.Texas was an independent n___ from 1836-1845.France also briefly invaded Mexico in 1838.Texas is annexed by the U.S. in 1845.U.S. political and business leaders made plans to annex more M______ territory.The atmosphere of Texas revolt and annexation created a feeling of disdain against Mexicans.

Questions

What were some of the factors that led to the illegal immigration of Anglo Americans into Mexico’s Texas territory?What issues contributed to Mexico losing Texas?What is manifest destiny and how did it affect the lives of ordinary Mexicans living in Texas?