1817–1861 - Growth and Turmoil

The Adams-Onís Treaty (1819) was an agreement between the United States of America and Spain that ceded Florida to the United States. It also allowed the United States to span the continent, from the East Coast to the West Coast.

John Quincy Adams was the sixth President of the United States from 1825 to 1829, He was the son of John Adams and Abigail Adams and had a long career as a lawyer, diplomat, and politician. He played a key role in helping President James Monroe shape the foreign policy of the United States, which is known as the Monroe Doctrine.

On February 23, 1836, Mexican forces arrived at San Antonio and demanded the surrender of the Texas garrison at the Alamo. The Texans responded by firing their cannons, signaling their refusal. The Mexican artillery returned fire, starting the Siege of the Alamo.

The Battle of the Alamo continued on March 3, 1836. On this day, William B. Travis was notified reinforcements were on the way. Unfortunately, these reinforcements never appeared, meanwhile, the Mexicans received more than 1,000 reinforcements.

The Battle of the Alamo continued on March 4, 1836. On this day, Mexican artillery batteries were moved closer to the Alamo and the bombardment continued.

The Battle of the Alamo continued on March 5, 1836. On this day, the Mexican army was within 200 yards of the walls of the Alamo. Santa Anna announced to his officers that he intended to assault the Alamo the next day. William B. Travis drew a line in the sand and asked who would stay and defend the Alamo.

The Battle of the Alamo continued on March 6, 1836. On this day, Mexican forces overwhelmed the Texan garrison. Despite the heroic efforts of the Texans, they were defeated after a bloody battle that lasted for 90 minutes.

The Siege of the Alamo continued on February 24, 1836. On this day, William B. Travis took command of the Alamo, the two sides exchanged artillery fire, and Travis wrote his famous “Victory or Death” letter. Travis gave the letter to Captain Albert Martin and sent him to Gonzales.

The Battle of the Alamo continued on February 25, 1836. On this day, Mexican forces tried to occupy small huts on the southwest corner of the Alamo. A skirmish ensured and the Texans burned the huts. Mexican forces built more artillery batteries. James W. Fannin left Goliad and headed toward the Alamo with Texan reinforcements.

The Battle of the Alamo continued on February 26, 1836. On this day, cold temperatures and rain slowed operations around the Alamo. A minor skirmish took place outside the walls of the Alamo when Texans went to collect water.

The Battle of the Alamo continued on February 27, 1836. On this day, Mexican forces continued to build batteries and siege lines around the Alamo. Mexican forces cut off the water supply to the Alamo.

The Battle of the Alamo continued on February 28, 1836. On this day, Mexican forces conducted a lengthy bombardment of the Alamo and moved closer to the walls.

The Battle of the Alamo continued on February 29, 1836. On this day, Santa Anna sent troops to block Texan reinforcements while Mexican forces surrounded the Alamo.

The Battle of the Alamo continued on March 1, 1836. On this day, Texan reinforcements arrived from Gonzales. Cold temperatures continued, and Mexican forces moved closer to the walls of the Alamo.

The Battle of the Alamo continued on March 2, 1836. On this day, the Texas Provisional Government at Washington-on-the-Brazos declared independence from Mexico.

The American Anti-Slavery Society (AASS) was a leading Abolitionist organization, dedicated to eliminating slavery in the United States. The organization was founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on December 4, 1833.

The American Fur Trade was an extensive economic system that initially involved Native American Indians and European explorers and colonists. After 1803, the Western Frontier started to open, creating the Western Fur Trade, which was driven by bold businessmen and Mountain Men. The Fur Trade played a vital role in Westward Expansion.

The American System was an economic plan devised by Henry Clay that was intended to create a national economy. Although moderately successful, it is also famous for contributing to the sectional divide between the North and South leading up to the Civil War.

The Apache Wars were a series of raids, skirmishes, and battles fought between the United States and various Apache tribes in the 19th and 20th Centuries. The wars helped shape America’s Manifest Destiny and led to the rise of important Apache leaders, including Mangas Coloradas, Cochise, and Geronimo.

John Armstrong Jr. was an officer in the Continental Army. He also served as Minister to France and Spain under Thomas Jefferson, and as the Secretary of War under James Madison. During the War for Independence, he may have played a key role in the Newburgh Conspiracy, when officers challenged the authority of Congress.