Theme: American expansionism
gained momentum in the 1840s, leading first to the acquisition of Texas and
Oregon, and then to the Mexican War, which added vast southwestern territories
to the United States and ignited the slavery question.
Theme: American international
prestige grows as the United States expands. Successful military campaigns
against Mexico along with well negotiated treaties with Britain force Europe
to respect America more while Latin America begins to be wary of the "Colossus
of the North."