Manifest Destiny and Its Critics.pdf - Mr. Mermelstein's classes

AnswersAnswers to “Source Analysis” ActivitiesSource Analysis: Document 1Contextualizing: Rapid settlement in the Oregon territory, the annexation of Texas, etc.Interpreting meanings: The focus is on how unique America is, how unburdened by past history, etc.Answers will vary and should be discussed.Much of the passage rests on the phrases in the Declaration about equality and rights, seeing this asmaking America a nation based on ideas and not on past traditions, aristocratic elites, monarchs, etc.Source Analysis: Document 2Contextualizing: He became the first presidential candidate of the newly formed Republican Party,representing those opposed to extending slavery into the territories and new states.Interpreting meanings: Answers will vary but should make specific reference to features in the image.Answers here might vary, but should focus on the rugged and empty environment, almost waiting to beconquered and tamed, etc.Corroborating sources: Answers will vary and should be discussed.Source Analysis: Document 3Contextualizing: These were known as the Five Civilized Tribes. They included the Cherokeewho engaged in agriculture and had adopted many European ways, a written alphabet, a formalgovernment, etc. In this sense, Jackson’s description could be seen as wildly inaccurate.Interpreting meanings: Answers will vary but should deal with the differences between immigrantsentering America voluntarily and Indians forced to leave lands without choosing to.He is suggesting westward settlement is unstoppable by anyone, including the government.Point of view: Answers will vary and should be discussed.Source Analysis: Document 4Contextualizing: They make clear how intense the drive was to open up lands to settlement; theysuggest Jackson really did want this land for settlers, but did not want the process to be uncontrolled.Interpreting meanings: His readiness to use military force to remove these settlers.Answers will vary to this question and should be discussed.Corroborating sources: Documents 10 is especially relevant, as might be several others. These allshould be discussed.Source Analysis: Document 5Contextualizing: After annexing Mexico, war broke out with Mexico in 1846. The song refers to theevents that year in which Mexican and U.S. forces clashed, leading to the declaration of war.The Polk administration claimed the Texas boundary went to the Rio Grande, farther south than theNueces River boundary claimed by Mexico. The initial clash took place in that contested region and sosome claimed U.S. troops were on Mexican soil, not Mexican soldiers on U.S. soil.Interpreting meanings: Answers will vary. Use a discussion about this to focus on the broader issue ofthe American public’s confidence and self-assurance and its possible sources at this time.Point of view: The idea of people divided by racial characteristics was strengthening in these years duein part to the arguments over slavery, etc.Mexican brutality at the Alamo and the Goliad massacre had united Texans in anger.Manifest Destiny and Its Critics | The Historian’s Apprentice 37