• Manifest Destiny, Texas, U.S. and Mexican War 1846-1848

    Quotes:

    The occupation, separation and annexation were, from the inception of the movement to its final consummation, a conspiracy to acquire territory out of which slave states might be formed for the American Union.
                               ~Ulysses S. Grant, Memoirs, On the annexation of Texas~

    "We love to indulge in thoughts of the future extent and power of this Republic - because with its increase is the increase of human happiness and liberty. . . . What has miserable, inefficient Mexico - with her superstition, her burlesque upon freedom, her actual tyranny by the few over the many - what has she to do with the great mission of peopling the New World with a noble race? Be it ours, to achieve that mission!"

    – Walt Whitman, Editorial, Brooklyn Daily Eagle, July 7, 1846
     
    Our manifest destiny is to overspread the continent allotted by Providence for the free development of our yearly multiplying millions.  ~ John L. O'Sullivan   - United States Magazine, July-Aug. 1845
     

    I heartily accept the motto,—“That government is best which governs least;” and I should like to see it acted up to more rapidly and systematically. Carried out, it finally amounts to this, which I also believe,—“That government is best which governs not at all;” and when men are prepared for it, that will be the kind of government which they will have. Government is at best but an expedient; but most governments are usually, and all governments are sometimes, inexpedient.

    —Thoreau, Civil Disobedience
     
    Unit Overview:
     
    This unit examines the causes and effects of this war between the United States and Mexico. Student will understand the concept of Manifest Destiny and how this idea influenced the United States. This unit will also develop a strong understanding Mexico’s viewpoint about this war involving American’s westward expansion.
     

    Learning objectives:

    • Develop a  point of view about Manifest Destiny
    • Explain the effects of the U.S. Mexican War including westward expansion
    • Debate the concept of a justified conflict
    • Improving expository writing skills
    • Explain ESP about Manifest Destiny  

    The primary source of class assignments, homework, and tests are the daily classroom agenda. This website is considered a secondary source of information.

      See resource page for schedule, resources, assignments, media and blog postings