How Did The Differing Opinions On Manifest Destiny, As Expressed By Figures Like John O'Sullivan And Ulysses S. Grant, Influence The U.S. Government's Decision To Negotiate The Treaty Of Guadalupe Hidalgo, Particularly With Regards To The Annexation Of Territories And The Establishment Of The Rio Grande As The Border Between The U.S. And Mexico?

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The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which concluded the Mexican-American War, was significantly influenced by differing opinions on Manifest Destiny, particularly those of John O'Sullivan and Ulysses S. Grant. Here's a structured analysis of their influences:

  1. John O'Sullivan and Expansionism: As the coiner of "Manifest Destiny," O'Sullivan championed the belief that the U.S. was divinely ordained to expand across North America. He advocated for aggressive territorial acquisition, pushing for the maximum possible land from Mexico, driven by a vision of American exceptionalism and the spread of democracy.

  2. Ulysses S. Grant's Pragmatism: Grant, with his military experience, brought a practical perspective. He recognized the challenges of controlling vast territories and the potential for prolonged conflict. His views emphasized feasible expansion, focusing on strategic and defensible borders, such as the Rio Grande, to ensure stability and security.

  3. Government Negotiation and Compromise: The U.S. government sought a balance between expansionist ideals and practical realities. While driven by the desire for territorial gain, they considered the consequences of extensive land acquisition, including integration challenges and regional tensions, particularly regarding slavery.

  4. Treaty Terms and Border Establishment: The treaty's terms, including the Rio Grande as the border, reflected a compromise. It addressed the annexation of Texas and other territories, providing a clear boundary to prevent future disputes and ensure U.S. control over strategic regions.

  5. Political Considerations: The debate over slavery in new territories influenced the treaty's negotiation. Policymakers aimed to balance the addition of new states without exacerbating sectional tensions, shaping the extent and terms of annexation.

In conclusion, the interplay between O'Sullivan's expansionist ideology and Grant's pragmatism led to a treaty that expanded U.S. territory while considering strategic and political realities, resulting in the Rio Grande border and the annexation of key territories.