Trump, Matthew. "The State of Oregon and the Washington Territory in 1859." 2004. Digital map. Description: The map depicts the State of Oregon and the Washington Territory in 1859. Source: Retrieved from w:en:Image:Wpdms oregon territory 1848.png. Permission: GFDL.
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The Oregon Territory:
Achieving the U.S. Goal of Having Access to the Pacific Ocean
In the early 19th century, the United States had a vision of expanding its territory to the west and gaining access to the Pacific Ocean. This desire led to the acquisition of the Oregon Territory, a vast region located in the northwestern part of North America. The story of how the U.S. achieved its goal of having access to the Pacific Ocean through the Oregon Territory is a fascinating tale of exploration, negotiation, and perseverance.
Before we delve into the events of 1846, let's take a step back and understand the background of the Oregon Territory. The region was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, such as the Chinook, Nez Perce, and Cayuse, who had lived there for thousands of years. European explorers, including Spanish and British sailors, had also visited the area in the past. However, it was the Lewis and Clark expedition in the early 1800s that sparked American interest in the Oregon Territory.
In the early 1800s, the Oregon Territory was jointly claimed by the United States and Great Britain. This joint occupation raised concerns for both nations, as they desired sole control over the region. The U.S. saw the Oregon Territory as a valuable asset for trade and expansion, while access to the Pacific Ocean was crucial for British fur traders.
Negotiations between the United States and Great Britain to determine the future of the Oregon Territory began in the 1810s. Over the years, several proposals were made, but no agreement was reached. The situation reached a critical point in the 1840s when American interest in the territory grew significantly, fueled by the concept of "Manifest Destiny" and the belief that it was the nation's destiny to expand westward.
In 1844, James K. Polk was elected as the 11th President of the United States. One of his main goals was to secure the Oregon Territory for the United States. Polk's administration adopted a firm stance, advocating for the "Fifty-four Forty or Fight" slogan, which referred to the line of latitude they believed should mark the northern border of the Oregon Territory.
Tensions between the United States and Great Britain escalated as both nations stood firm on their claims. However, as war with Mexico became an imminent reality, Polk realized the need to resolve the Oregon dispute in order to focus on the southern front. In 1846, the United States and Great Britain agreed to a compromise known as the Oregon Treaty.
The Oregon Treaty, signed on June 15, 1846, established the 49th parallel as the boundary between the United States and British North America (Canada) in the Oregon Territory. This compromise gave the United States sole control over present-day Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and parts of Montana and Wyoming. In return, the British retained control of Vancouver Island and their valuable fur trade network.
With the signing of the Oregon Treaty, the United States had achieved its goal of having access to the Pacific Ocean through the Oregon Territory. This newfound control paved the way for American settlement, trade, and development in the region. Cities like Portland and Seattle grew rapidly, becoming important economic hubs connected to the Pacific trade routes.
In conclusion, the story of the Oregon Territory achieving the U.S. goal of accessing the Pacific Ocean in 1846 is a testament to the determination and negotiation skills of both nations. Through the Oregon Treaty, the United States secured control over a vast territory, opening the door to westward expansion and shaping the future of the Pacific Northwest.
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