In this Grade 8 lesson from America: History of Our Nation, students examine the key events and tensions that led to Texas independence from Mexico, including Santa Anna's dictatorship, the siege of the Alamo, and Sam Houston's victory at San Jacinto. Students also analyze the debate over annexing Texas and Oregon, the causes and major events of the Mexican-American War, and how the concept of Manifest Destiny shaped U.S. territorial expansion from 1820 to 1860. The lesson introduces key terms such as dictatorship, siege, annex, and cede within the broader context of Chapter 13 on Westward Expansion.
Section 1
Texans Fight for Independence from Mexico
American settlers in Texas revolted against Mexico after Santa Anna established a dictatorship in 1833. Following the battle at the Alamo, Sam Houston defeated Santa Anna at San Jacinto, securing Texas independence.
Section 2
President Polk Expands U.S. Territory
James K. Polk won the 1844 election by promising to annex Texas and Oregon. Texas joined the United States in 1845, while Oregon was divided with Britain, fulfilling part of Polk's expansionist agenda.
Section 3
United States Wages War Against Mexico
Polk provoked war with Mexico over disputed Texas boundaries. American forces captured California territories and invaded Mexico. The war ended with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848, adding vast new territories to the U.S.
Section 4
Americans Achieve Manifest Destiny
Through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and Gadsden Purchase, the United States gained territory comprising present-day California, Nevada, Utah, and parts of other western states, completing the nation's expansion across the continent.
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Section 1
Texans Fight for Independence from Mexico
American settlers in Texas revolted against Mexico after Santa Anna established a dictatorship in 1833. Following the battle at the Alamo, Sam Houston defeated Santa Anna at San Jacinto, securing Texas independence.
Section 2
President Polk Expands U.S. Territory
James K. Polk won the 1844 election by promising to annex Texas and Oregon. Texas joined the United States in 1845, while Oregon was divided with Britain, fulfilling part of Polk's expansionist agenda.
Section 3
United States Wages War Against Mexico
Polk provoked war with Mexico over disputed Texas boundaries. American forces captured California territories and invaded Mexico. The war ended with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848, adding vast new territories to the U.S.
Section 4
Americans Achieve Manifest Destiny
Through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and Gadsden Purchase, the United States gained territory comprising present-day California, Nevada, Utah, and parts of other western states, completing the nation's expansion across the continent.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter