What did Americans mean
by Manifest Destiny and how
did they justify their rapid
territorial expansion?

Why were Americans inter-
ested in acquiring Oregon
and Texas?

Why did pioneers go west?
What qualities characterized
them? What challenges did
they face? How did Native
Americans and Mexican
colonists fare in the face of
this westward push?

What were the main causes
and consequences of the
Mexican-American War?

How did concerns about
the expansion of slavery
influence debates over the
annexation of Texas and
California?
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