Manifest Destiny and War
Grade 4 California history lesson on Manifest Destiny and the Mexican-American War, including the Bear Flag Revolt in Sonoma, from Pengi Social Studies Chapter 4. Students learn how the belief that America was destined to stretch from ocean to ocean led to war with Mexico and ultimately American control of California.
Key Concepts
Many Americans believed in Manifest Destiny , the idea that the United States was meant to stretch from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. This belief led to war with Mexico. Even before the armies arrived, American settlers in Sonoma started the Bear Flag Revolt .
They captured the town, raised a homemade flag with a grizzly bear, and declared California an independent republic . Although this republic lasted only a few weeks, it signaled the end of Mexican rule. Soon after, the U.S. military arrived and took control.
Common Questions
What was Manifest Destiny?
Manifest Destiny was the belief held by many Americans in the 1800s that the United States was destined by God to expand its territory from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, encompassing the entire continent.
What was the Bear Flag Revolt?
The Bear Flag Revolt was an 1846 uprising in Sonoma, California where American settlers captured the town and declared an independent California Republic. They raised a handmade flag featuring a grizzly bear, creating the design that inspired California current state flag.
Why did the U.S. go to war with Mexico?
The Mexican-American War began in 1846 over a disputed border in Texas and American desire to expand westward to the Pacific under Manifest Destiny. President Polk used a border incident as justification to declare war on Mexico.
How did Manifest Destiny affect California?
Manifest Destiny provided the ideological justification for the Mexican-American War, which resulted in Mexico ceding California to the United States in 1848, transforming California from a Mexican territory to an American one.