Written by Nate A.
In the period 1841-1848, much of manifest destiny had to do with the history through the period. Below is a compilation of major events during this period and how they relate to manifest destiny, namely how its legacy has carried though.
The Accession of "Tyler Too"
At the beginning of Henry Harrison's presidency, Daniel Webster (secretary of state) and Henry Clay (leader of Whigs in the Senate) expected to control the Presidency because Harrison was not a very commanding figure. Only 4 weeks into Harrison's presidency, though, Harrison died. This disrupted the plans of Webster and Clay.
John Tyler: Vice President to Henry Harrison; successor as President following Harrison's death; "Tyler too"; a Democrat at heart and contradicted many of the Whig Party's ideas.
John Tyler: A President without a Party
The Whigs introduced many policy changes when the party won the presidency with Harrison (and then Tyler). The first change was financial reform. The independent treasury system was ended. A bill for a "Fiscal Bank," which would establish a new Bank of the United States went through Congress, but President Tyler vetoed it. The Whigs presented a "Fiscal Corporation," but Tyler again vetoed it.
President Tyler was rejected by his former Whig Party.
Tyler reluctantly signed the Tariff of 1842 because he recognized the government's need for revenue.
A War of Words with Britain
The 19th Century was marked by periods of public disdain for Britain. This sparked the "Third War with England." This war was only fought with editorials in papers.
In 1837, there was a small rebellion in Canada. Although it was supported by many Americans, the rebellion failed because it was backed by few Canadians.
In 1837, the American ship, the Caroline, was carrying military supplies to the rebelling Canadians when it was sunk by a British ship. Washington officials made ineffective protests against the attack.
In 1841, British officials in the Bahamas offered asylum to 130 Virginia slaves who had rebelled and captured the American ship Creole.
Manipulating the Maine Maps
In 1842, the British wanted to build a road linking the seaport of Halifax to Quebec. The proposed road ran through disputed territory in northern Maine, though. Skirmishes between locals broke out and these skirmishes were referred to as the Aroostook War.
To prevent a wider-reaching war, the London Foreign Office sent Lord Ashburton to Washington to settle the dispute. He and Daniel Webster negotiated and agreed to a new boundary for Maine that put the disputed road in Canadian territory.
The Lone Star of Texas Shines Alone
In the 8 years following 1836, Mexico considered Texas one of their provinces that was in revolt. Mexico refused to recognize Texas's independence. Mexico threatened war if America protected Texas.
Texas made treaties with France, Holland, and Belgium. Britain was interested in seeing an independent Texas because they hoped it could be used to fragment and weaken America. The British were also interested in having Texas as a trading partner who was more friendly than the Americans.
The Belated Texas Nuptials
Texas was a leading issue in the presidential campaign of 1844. The Democrats were pro-expansion and supported the annexation of Texas, while the Whigs were against it.
The Democrats (James Polk) won the election of 1844, and lame duck (outgoing) President Tyler took that as a sign to acquire Texas before he left the presidency. He signed a resolution in 1845 that invited Texas to become the 28th state in America.
Oregon Fever Populates Oregon
Four nations claimed parts of the Oregon Country at one time: Spain, Russia, Britain, and the United States. Spain gave up its American territory with the Florida Treaty of 1819, and Russia gave up its land with the treaties of 1824 and 1825.
Britain controlled the Oregon territory north of the Columbia River, while American controlled the southern territory. Britain had a smaller population in the Oregon territory, but it did not want to give up its claims. The disputed territory in the Oregon Country became an issue in the election of 1844.
Nate A. is a 17 year old from New Jersey who loves to write essays, blog posts, and articles. He has previously been published on the SBPL Teen Zone and tutors English at his high school.
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