Glossary
54° 40' or fight!
A popular slogan in the 1840s, referring to the northern boundary of the Oregon Territory that American expansionists desired, even if it meant conflict with Britain.
Example:
Despite the aggressive cry of "54° 40' or fight!", President Polk ultimately settled the Oregon boundary dispute with Britain peacefully at the 49th parallel.
American Exceptionalism
The belief that the United States is unique and holds a special place among nations, often implying a superior role or destiny.
Example:
The idea of American Exceptionalism contributed to the justification for Manifest Destiny, as many believed the U.S. had a unique mission to spread democracy and its ideals.
Frontier Spirit
A cultural ideal emphasizing individualism, self-reliance, ruggedness, and a pioneering drive, often associated with the challenges and opportunities of westward expansion.
Example:
The frontier spirit became deeply ingrained in American culture, celebrating the resilience and independence of those who ventured into the untamed West.
Gold Rush (1849)
A period of rapid migration to California starting in 1849 after the discovery of gold, leading to a massive population boom and economic transformation in the region.
Example:
The California Gold Rush attracted hundreds of thousands of prospectors from around the world, transforming San Francisco into a bustling port city almost overnight.
Homestead Act of 1862
A federal law that provided 160 acres of public land to any citizen or intended citizen who agreed to cultivate the land for five years, encouraging westward settlement.
Example:
The Homestead Act of 1862 spurred millions of Americans and immigrants to move west, transforming vast tracts of land into farms and ranches across the Great Plains.
John L. O’Sullivan
An American journalist who coined the term 'Manifest Destiny' in 1845, advocating for the annexation of Texas.
Example:
John L. O’Sullivan used his platform to articulate the widespread belief that American expansion was both inevitable and righteous.
Louisiana Purchase
A landmark land deal in 1803 where the United States acquired approximately 828,000 square miles of territory from France, significantly expanding the nation's size.
Example:
The Louisiana Purchase doubled the size of the young United States, opening vast new lands for westward settlement and agricultural expansion.
Manifest Destiny
The 19th-century belief that the United States was divinely ordained to expand its territory and influence across North America, from the Atlantic to the Pacific.
Example:
The idea of Manifest Destiny fueled the American desire to acquire California, seeing it as a natural extension of the nation's reach to the Pacific Ocean.
Mexican-American War
A conflict (1846-1848) between the United States and Mexico, primarily over the annexation of Texas and border disputes, resulting in significant territorial gains for the U.S.
Example:
The Mexican-American War led to the Mexican Cession, adding vast territories like California and New Mexico to the United States and intensifying debates over slavery's expansion.
Mormons
Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who migrated west to Utah in the mid-19th century seeking religious freedom and to escape persecution.
Example:
Led by Brigham Young, the Mormons established Salt Lake City in the arid Great Basin, transforming the desert into a thriving community through irrigation.
Oregon Trail
A historic 2,000-mile route used by pioneers in the 19th century to migrate from the Midwest to the Oregon Territory and other points west.
Example:
Families packed their belongings into covered wagons, enduring harsh conditions as they traveled the Oregon Trail in search of fertile farmland and new opportunities.
Polygamy
The practice of having more than one spouse at the same time, which was practiced by some early Mormons and became a source of conflict with the U.S. government.
Example:
The practice of polygamy among some Mormon communities led to federal intervention and legal challenges, highlighting tensions between religious freedom and societal norms.
Treaty of Kanagawa
An 1854 agreement between the United States and Japan, negotiated by Commodore Matthew Perry, which opened two Japanese ports to American trade and ended Japan's long period of isolation.
Example:
The Treaty of Kanagawa marked a pivotal moment in U.S. foreign policy, demonstrating America's growing interest in Asian markets and its willingness to project naval power.