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Indian Removal Act Signed
President Andrew Jackson signed the Indian Removal Act in 1830, which led to the removal of Indian populations to areas west of the Mississippi River to open up more land for white settlers. -
Texas Declares Independence from Mexico
After the Consultation cited the Texan war to achieve separate Mexican statehood for Texas, and tried gathering support from other Mexican states, they decided on March 1, 1836 that such strategy was inefficient, and the 59 delegates of the Texas settlements officially approved the Texas Declaration of Independence on March 2, 1836. -
The Trail of Tears
As a direct result of the Indian Removal Act of 1830, the many Native American populations that were forcibly removed from their territory were made to travel a long and difficult journey to be relocated west of the Mississippi River. The new areas designated for the Native Americans were said to be desolate and worthless. -
Texas Admitted to Union as Slave State
President James Polk signed the annexation bill officially recognizing Texas as the 28th state of the Union. The republic of Texas was eventually dissolved in 1846. -
Mexican-American War
Mexico refused to meet with the US representative sent to negotiate for acquisition of California, US sent troops into disputed territory. -
Oregon Treaty
An agreement between Great Britain and the United States that officially established the border between the United States and British North America west of the Rocky Mountains, acknowledging current states such as Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. -
California Gold Rush
Gold was discovered in California, leading to an increase in settlers and “boom-towns” being established. -
Compromise of 1850
Admitted California to the Union as a free state, this also added territory to Texas and established Utah and New Mexico. -
Gadsden Purchase
The United States purchased a 29,670 sq mi portion of land from Mexico which established the current border with Mexico and fixed border disputes at the time. -
Kansas-Nebraska Act
Indian reservations west of the Mississippi opened up to white settlers. Declared the Missouri Compromise invalid.