Question
What is the order of the events in Westward Expansion between 1843 and 1853?
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The period of Westward Expansion in the United States between 1843 and 1853 included several significant events. Here’s a chronological order of key happenings during that time:
1. **1843 - Oregon Trail Migration**: The first major wave of settlers began traveling the Oregon Trail. This journey was spurred by the belief in Manifest Destiny and the promise of rich farmlands in the Oregon Territory.
2. **1844 - Election of James K. Polk**: James K. Polk, a strong proponent of territorial expansion, was elected president. His platform included the annexation of Texas and the acquisition of Oregon.
3. **1845 - Annexation of Texas**: The United States officially annexed the Republic of Texas, which had declared independence from Mexico in 1836. This act contributed to existing tensions between the U.S. and Mexico.
4. **1846 - Oregon Treaty**: The U.S. and Great Britain signed the Oregon Treaty, establishing the northern border of Oregon at the 49th parallel and resolving territorial disputes peacefully.
5. **1846-1848 - Mexican-American War**: Triggered by disputes over Texas and U.S. expansionist policies, the war resulted in significant territorial gains for the United States.
6. **1848 - Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo**: This treaty formally ended the Mexican-American War, granting the U.S. control over present-day California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and parts of Colorado and New Mexico.
7. **1849 - California Gold Rush**: The discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill in 1848 led to a massive influx of settlers and prospectors to California. The Gold Rush significantly accelerated the westward movement and economic development.
8. **1850 - Compromise of 1850**: A series of legislative measures aimed at resolving conflicts related to the territories acquired from Mexico. It admitted California as a free state and addressed issues of slavery in the remaining territories.
9. **1853 - Gadsden Purchase**: The United States purchased land from Mexico (present-day southern Arizona and New Mexico) to facilitate a southern transcontinental railroad, further expanding U.S. territory.
These events illustrate the intense period of territorial expansion and conflict in the U.S. during this decade, significantly shaping the nation’s geography and future.
1. **1843 - Oregon Trail Migration**: The first major wave of settlers began traveling the Oregon Trail. This journey was spurred by the belief in Manifest Destiny and the promise of rich farmlands in the Oregon Territory.
2. **1844 - Election of James K. Polk**: James K. Polk, a strong proponent of territorial expansion, was elected president. His platform included the annexation of Texas and the acquisition of Oregon.
3. **1845 - Annexation of Texas**: The United States officially annexed the Republic of Texas, which had declared independence from Mexico in 1836. This act contributed to existing tensions between the U.S. and Mexico.
4. **1846 - Oregon Treaty**: The U.S. and Great Britain signed the Oregon Treaty, establishing the northern border of Oregon at the 49th parallel and resolving territorial disputes peacefully.
5. **1846-1848 - Mexican-American War**: Triggered by disputes over Texas and U.S. expansionist policies, the war resulted in significant territorial gains for the United States.
6. **1848 - Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo**: This treaty formally ended the Mexican-American War, granting the U.S. control over present-day California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and parts of Colorado and New Mexico.
7. **1849 - California Gold Rush**: The discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill in 1848 led to a massive influx of settlers and prospectors to California. The Gold Rush significantly accelerated the westward movement and economic development.
8. **1850 - Compromise of 1850**: A series of legislative measures aimed at resolving conflicts related to the territories acquired from Mexico. It admitted California as a free state and addressed issues of slavery in the remaining territories.
9. **1853 - Gadsden Purchase**: The United States purchased land from Mexico (present-day southern Arizona and New Mexico) to facilitate a southern transcontinental railroad, further expanding U.S. territory.
These events illustrate the intense period of territorial expansion and conflict in the U.S. during this decade, significantly shaping the nation’s geography and future.