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Battle of San Jacinto
During the fight for independence against Mexico, the attack took place of Sam Houston’s men. The Texas militia under Sam Houston surprise attacked the Mexican army. This fight was a result of Texas wanting their independence from Mexico. One of the positive impacts is that Texas won their independence and the battle. -
Oregon Trail is Created
The Oregon Trail was created in 1811 and finished in 1840. It was first used in 1836, by migrants traveling from mainly Missouri to Oregon or anywhere in the west. Many migrants wanted to go west due to the Gold rush that was beginning. The trail made a positive impact because it allowed migrants to travel safely to where they wanted to go. -
The Alamo
A group of Texan soldiers occupied The Alamo which was a fort located in Texas near by San Antonio. The Mexican Army held a siege on The Alamo in February. The Texan soldiers lasted 13 days before the Mexicans over ruled. This shows the how much Texas went through to be Independent from Mexico. -
Texas Declaration of Independence
On March 2, 1836 Texas declared their independence from Mexico. This started by Texas not liking the way the Mexican government was ruiling Texas. This had a positive impact on Texas because they were finally independent which led up to Texas becoming a state. -
James K. Polk becomes President
James K. Polk became the 11th President of the United States beating Whig canidate Henry clay in 1844. He supported the annexation of Texas and territorial expansion. He was a huge plus for America since he helped gain land during his time in office. -
Texas is Annexed in the United States
The United States left Texas alone in 1836. John Tyler was able to annex and Texas became an official state in December in 1845. The positive impact in the end was that America gained a new state. -
Zachary Taylor crosses the Rio Grande River
Mexico and America were having issues on where the borderline should be. Mexican soldiers were the first to cross the river trying to fight Taylor and his army. Zachary Taylor was able to push them back and was able to fight on Mexican soil. Taylor won 4 battles and started to control three northeastern states. -
Annexation of California
California became a state in January of 1847. The United States annexed California with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hildago a year after on February 2nd. After debating, California entered as a non-slavery state. -
California Gold Rush
Gold was first discovered in California in 1848. Thousands traveled in hopes of becoming rich. People were going to extremes trying to get to California. The result in the gold rush was positive. It increased population in the west tremendously. -
Treaty of Guadalupe Hildago
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hildago was a treaty to end the Mexican-American war. In the end America one and got to decide where the border was going to be. This treaty helped America gain land which was good for the migrants coming over to the west searching for gold. -
Mexican Cession
During this time the United States obtain the land that would soon become the states of California, Nevada, Utah and Arizona. Since Mexico had to give up land due to their loss in the Mexican American war, the borderlines we already drawn on the treaty of Guadalupe Hildago. Positive Impact since America gained a lot of land. -
Oregon becomes a free territory
England and The United States had a argument over the territory of Oregon. It was finally over in 1846 when the 49th parallel was made to separate Oregon and Canada. Oregon entered the union in 1849. -
Gadsden Purchase
The United States wanted a southern route through the Mexican Territory since it was the only possible route. The Mexican-American war caused a lot of tension. The United States agreed to pay 10 million dollars for a part of the Mexican Territory. It gave the United States a chance to gain territory. -
Homestead Act
The homestead laws that were signed by Abraham Lincoln gave settlers the opportunity to move west I gained 160 acres of land. Settlers had to live five years on land before they could own it. After this thousands of people moved west -
Transcontinental Railroad
The Transcontinental Railroad was the first railroad in America that stretched from the East to the West. This railroad made it easier to trade between coasts. The positive impact was that this railroad made it easier to trade and connected the coasts for easier travel.
