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Oregon Trail Beginning
The Establishment of Independence Missouri caused for the starting point of the Oregon Trail. -
The Great Emigration
The Great Emigration happened when nearly 875 people traveled west. This year also marks the beginning of the Oregon Provisional Government. -
James Polk
James Polk’s slogan was 54’ or Fight! This contributed to his unexpected victory during his presidential election. The slogan was named after a line of latitude that served as the northern border of Oregon. -
Manifest Destiny
The ideas of Manifest Destiny began in 1845. Manifest Destiny is the belief that the country should span from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. -
Start of the US Mexican War
The US Mexican War was a conflict between the United States and Mexico. This battle was fought for land. The US wanted to obtain Mexico’s northern lands. Mexico was fighting to keep what they thought was their property. -
Oregon Trail is Labeled a Territory
The Oregon Territory is recognized by the United States as an official territory. -
End of the US Mexican War
The US Mexican War ended as a win for the United States. Mexico suffered from financial instability, causing them to lose. -
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
After the US Mexican War ended, The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed on February 2, 1848. America received present-day Arizona, California, New Mexico, Texas, Colorado, Nevada, and Utah. -
California Statehood
California got its statehood after a heated argument in congress about the issue of slavery. It became a state as part of the Compromise of 1850. The compromise allowed admission of the state to the Union, with the requirement that it enter as a free state. -
Fugitive Slave Act
These were a pair of federal laws that allowed the capture and returns of runaway enslaved people. It was passed to deal with the growing number of slaves escaping from their plantations in the South. -
DC Slavery
Congress abolished slave trade in Washington DC. It was abolished as part of the Compromise of 1850. -
Completion of Manifest Destiny
In 1853, America completed their goal of Manifest Destiny. The Gadsden Purchase was signed giving the United States what is now Southern Arizona and New Mexico.