Manifest Destiny was a belief/statement coined in 1845 by John O'Sullivan. The idea was that the United States was destined by God to extend from the Atlantic to Pacific Ocean. Throughout the 19th century, the idea of Westward Expansion would be at the heart of political, social and economic issues as the country grew. People moved west for any number of reasons.

The Oregon Country stretched from the Pacific Ocean to the Rocky Mountains and included territory in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, parts of Montana and half of the Canadian Province of British Columbia. Four countries - the U.S., Spain, Russia and Britain all claimed territory. The 1844 election included Oregon as a major issue - Democrats were willing to go to war to gain complete control of the territory. The main slogan became "Fifty-four Forty or Fight". Compromise was eventually met and the official border at the 49 degree latitude was decided.

During this time, nearly half a million settlers made the long and dangerous trek along the Oregon Trail to settle in the west braving weather, harsh terrain, raids and disease to settle in this territory.

James K. Polk won the election by a large margin. Major issues/topics of the election included Oregon, the Annexation of Texas and Manifest Destiny. Polk was a strong supporter of Westward Expansion. His opponent was Henry Clay of the Whig party.

Polk and Congress finally agreed to annexation in 1844. Texas was officially annexed in 1845. Within a year, the U.S. would be at war with Mexico.

1. Causes of the Mexican-American War = Texas Annexation (Mexico had never officially recognized Texas independence); border dispute between U.S. and Mexico over Texas border (U.S. - border was Rio Grande; Mexico - border was Nueces River); U.S. moves troops to Texas and declares war on Mexico

2. People = General Zachary Taylor (later becomes president); General Winfield Scott (Veracruz & Mexico City); General Stephen Kearny (Santa Fe Trail)

3. War ends with the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo

4. Mexican Cession = Mexico gives territory including California, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada and Arizona to U.S.; U.S. pays $15 million to Mexico; border is decided at the Rio Grande

Land purchased in 1853 from Mexico. Was originally purchased with the intention of creating a second transcontinental railroad that would connect southern ports to the west including California. Costs $10 million.

Gold is discovered in 1848 at Sutter's MIll in California. In 1849, many "rush" to California to make it rich. Boomtowns sprout up all over the place. San Francisco becomes a major port for the U.S., immigration to U.S. increases. By 1850, California had enough settlers to become a state.

California wanted to become a state following the Gold Rush. The issue becomes whether it will enter as a free or slave state. California wanted to be a free state. This would upset the balance of power between free and slave states. Compromise is met with California becoming a free state and stricter fugitive slave laws being passed. Other compromises included the border dispute between Texas and New Mexico over the Rio Grande. Texas cedes land to pay off debts and border dispute is ended.

In the mid-1800s the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints was founded and suffered discrimination. Founded by Joseph Smith - who was later killed by an angry mob - Mormons were pushed further west because of their differing beliefs. Brigham Young becomes leader and moves 12,000 Mormons along the Mormon Trail from Illinois to Utah. Mormons settle near Salt Lake and later get statehood in 1896.