For Kim Woods

Chapter 12: The New West and the Free North, 1840-1860

Describe some of the trends in agriculture and manufacturing in this era. Why was the mechanical reaper so valuable?

Why was the “American system” considered important to economic development?

Explain how the development of railroads changed America culturally and economically.

Why did so many northerners and westerners feel strongly about the issue of free-labor? How did this discussion have implications far beyond the question of slavery?

Describe some of the opportunities and challenges facing immigrants in the era of 1840-1860.

Explain the idea of Manifest Destiny. How does this phrase reflect the thinking of the era?

Describe some of the challenges in traveling on the Oregon Trail?

What do you find remarkable about the Mexican Borderlands? What challenges did Mexico face in trying to develop the northern part of their country?

Explain how Texas became known as the Lone Star Republic. How long did this last?

Describe some of the arguments for and against the annexation of Texas.

How did the United States get into a war with Mexico? What key factors helped the US win? How did the war change the future for both the US and Mexico?

Explain how the Gold Rush transformed California. Why did California's Native American population decline dramatically in this era?

What factors could explain America's interest in social and individual reform in the mid-1800s?

Who were the Transcendentalists? How did writers such as Ralph Waldo Emerson reflect the spirit of individualism in the era?

Why were many Americans drawn to utopian communities? What do you find remarkable about the Oneida community?

How do you see the movement for woman’s rights taking shape in this era? How did the Seneca Falls Declaration of Sentiments add strength to the movement?

How did the abolitionist movement grow in the 1840s? How did black abolitionists such as Frederick Douglass help shape the movement?

Sioux War Council, painting by George Catlin

“Sioux Indians hunting buffalo”, George Catlin, 1835

“Comanche family outside their teepee,” George Catlin, 1841

“American Progress”, painting by John Gast, 1872

“Californios” during the era of Mexican California

Painting of San Gabriel Mission, 1835

The Republic of Texas, 1836-1845

Frederick Douglass and John C. Calhoun: famous ex-slave and famous advocate for slavery. Douglass believed it was wrong to take land from Mexico. Calhoun also thought it was a bad idea, because he didn't want millions of Mexicans in the U.S.

President James K. Polk: Did he provoke a war with Mexico? If so, why?

Gen. Winfield Scott,”Old Fuss and Feathers” Illustration in Mexican school book

Scott’s army marches toward Veracruz (top); Siege at Veracruz, March 1847

General Scott enters Mexico City, September 1847

Traveling to California, 1849 era

California miners around 1849

Clay argues for Compromise of 1850

Can you tell why this map actually represents the US in 1853 rather than 1850?