Explain how settlers influenced the final border between the United States and Britain in the Pacific Northwest.

Question

(4 points)

Answer 1

The final border between the United States and Britain in the Pacific Northwest, established by the Oregon Treaty of 1846, was influenced significantly by settlers in several ways:

1. Demographic Settlement Patterns: American settlers began migrating to the Oregon Territory in large numbers during the 1830s and 1840s, spurred by the promise of fertile land and economic opportunities. This influx of settlers created a strong American presence in the region, particularly in areas like the Willamette Valley. The growing population of American settlers increased pressure on the U.S. government to assert its claims to the territory.

2. Claiming Land and Establishing Communities: As settlers established farms, towns, and communities, they effectively laid claim to the land, which bolstered U.S. territorial claims against British interests. Settler initiatives, such as establishing local governance and promoting American cultural and economic practices, further reinforced the notion of American entitlement to the region, making it a focal point for U.S. expansionist ambitions.

3. Manifest Destiny Ideology: The ideology of Manifest Destiny, which held that Americans were destined to expand across the continent, motivated many settlers. This belief not only justified American expansion but also encouraged settlers to assert their rights over the Oregon Territory. The narrative of Manifest Destiny influenced political leaders to negotiate more aggressively with Britain regarding territorial claims in the Pacific Northwest.

4. Political Pressure and Negotiations: The presence of a substantial settler population contributed to heightened political pressure on U.S. leaders to resolve territorial disputes with Britain. American settlers, advocating for their rights and interests in the region, created a focal point for diplomacy. This culminated in the negotiation and eventual signing of the Oregon Treaty, which established the 49th parallel as the border between the U.S. and British-held Canada in the region, reflecting the influence of settlers on the final territorial agreement.

Overall, the actions and aspirations of settlers played a crucial role in shaping the final border between the United States and Britain, demonstrating how demographic and cultural factors can influence geopolitical outcomes.