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Reference page
For all events with an *, see other paper for inferences and some statements -
Father Miguel's Revolt
Father Miguel led a rebellion of 80,000 homeless, hoping that if Mexico declared independence from Spain, their lives would improve. He failed, but his rebellion grew. His war cry was "Mexicanos, Viva Mexico!" (Hidalgo y costilla, as cited at www.mexonline.com) This cry states that he wanted Mexico to reign independently and Spain should not control them. * -
The American Fur Company is founded
John Jacob Astor founds a fur-trading post called Astoria. This is the beggining of the American Fur Trading company. "The Fur Company's great tent is raised; the Indians erect their picturesque white lodges; the accumulated furs of the hunting season are brought forth and the Company's tent is a...busy place."(Miller, as cited in Deverell and White 309) This states that Astor's tent was immensely busy because of all the people who wanted to trade fur. * -
The making of Mormonism
Joseph Smith wrote the Book of Mormon and became head of the Mormon church. His successor, Brigham Young, settled the Mormons in Utah in 1844. "By the power of God I translated the Book of Mormon from hieroglyphics, the knowledge of which was lost to the world, in which wonderful event I stood alone, an unlearned youth, to combat the worldly wisdom and multiplied ignorance of eighteen centuries, with a new revelation." (Smith, as cited at josephsmith.net) * -
Texans revolt against Mexico
The Mexican army went to the town of Gonzales to take a cannon from them. Rebels stood next to the cannon with a flag raised that read "Come and take it." Most of the rebels were families brought in by empresario Stephen F. Austin who were angry at his imprisonment. This started the Texas Revolution. "Play the turtle, head and feet within our own shells." (Austin, as cited at tamu.edu) This states how he wanted people to fight in the battle he led in 1833. * -
Battle of the Alamo
The rebels lasted for about two weeks. They were led by William Travis, Jim Bowie, and Davy Crockett. "I call on you in the name of liberty, of patriotism, and everything dear to the American character, to come to our aid with all dispatch...VICTORY OR DEATH."(Travis, as cited in Deverell and White 314) This states that they would hold them off as long as they could, but really need reinforcements to help back them up. * -
Battle of San Jacinto
Texan troops led by Sam Houston attacked the Mexican troops while they were resting. Their war cry was "Remember the Alamo! Remember Goliad!" (Soldiers, as cited in Deverell and White 314) Santa Anna was captured here and forced to sign a treaty giving Texas independence. This states that the troops wanted revenge against Mexico and would avenge those who fell at the Alamo and at Goliad. * -
Settlers move west along the Oregon Trail
The Orgeon Trail is a 2,000-mile-long trail to what is now Oregon. By 1845, about 5,000 settlers occupied Willamette valley. "Travel, travel, TRAVEL... Nothing is good that causes a moments delay." (Pioneer, as cited in Deverell and Wahite 310). This states that the travellers were in a hurry to reach the west and settle there and that anything that slows them down was bad. * -
Bear Flag Revolt
About 500 Americans seized Sonoma. From this, Americans declared California to be an independent nation. They hoisted a hastily made flag of a grizzly bear facing a red star. This became known as the Bear Flag Revolt. However, the californios laughed and stated "Looks more like a pig than a bear" (californios, as cited in Deverell and White 320) This states that the bear flag was laughed at because of the fact that it was made hastily. * -
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
The treaty ended the Mexican-American war. It also gave the U.S. the land of California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Wyoming, known as the Mexican Cession, increasing the size of the U.S.by about 25%. In return, the U.S. paid Mexico $15 million dollars. The treaty also gave Mexican settlers more rights. "They will be protected in the free enjoyment of their liberty and property, and secured in the free exercise of their religion" (Treaty, as cited in Deverell and White 323)* -
Manifest Destiny
"We are the nation of human progress, and who, what will, what can, set limits to our onward march" (O'sullivan, as cited in Deverell and White 316) People thought that it was America's manifest destiny, or obvious fate, to settle all the way to the Pacific Ocean. This states that no one would be able to stop America in its westward expansion. * -
Gold Rush
James Marshall was working in Sutters mill whe he looks down and sees a gold nugget. The news quickly spread and within weeks, about 80,000 gold-seekers came to California. These people were called the 49's. "The Yankee regarded every man but his own kind as an interloper, who had no right to come to California and pick up the gold of 'free and enlightened citizens'"(Kelly, as cited in Deverell and White 330) *
