The article outlines instructions from the Secretary of the Navy to Commodore Sloat regarding the intention of the government to take and hold possession of California during the war with Mexico. A company of artillery is sent to help with this effort, and Sloat is instructed to secure San Francisco, Monterey, and potentially Los Angeles and San Diego. The goal is to establish a civil administration and assure the protection of the people of California. Additionally, Sloat is instructed to cooperate with Brigadier General Kearny, who is ordered to California over land, and to work with a regiment of volunteers from New York. Sloat is also informed that Commodore Shubrick will be sent to relieve him soon.
An Analytical Reflection on the 1846 Dispatch to Commodore Sloat
The letter from George Bancroft, Secretary of the Navy, to Commodore John D. Sloat, dated July 12, 1846, provides a crucial insight into the United States' strategic intentions during the early phase of the Mexican-American War (1846-1848). This correspondence highlights the U.S. government's aggressive expansionist policies, which were fueled by the notion of Manifest Destiny, the belief that the U.S. was destined to expand from the Atlantic to the Pacific coast.
Bancroft's message clearly states the government's aims: "the intention of this government, pending the war with Mexico, to take and hold possession of California." This explicit direction underscores the U.S. commitment to seizing control over California amidst the war's backdrop, framing it as a legal action under "its rights as a belligerent nation." The call for occupation reflects a systematic approach to territorial expansion, justifying imperial pursuits under the pretext of securing peace and order.
Moreover, the identification of specific strategic locations is significant. Bancroft instructs Sloat to focus on key areas: "you may deem expedient in the Bay of Monterey, or in the Bay of San Francisco, or in both." The choice of these locations was not arbitrary; each played a pivotal role in accessing the Pacific Ocean, which was vital for maritime trade and military logistics. The instructions to eventually take possession of San Diego further indicate a planned comprehensive control of California's coastal areas.
The letter also reflects early ideals about governance and the incorporation of local populations. Bancroft mentions that "due respect should be had to the wishes of the people of California, as well as to the actual possessors of authority in that province." This suggests an awareness of the necessity to balance military occupation with some form of legitimacy conferred upon local governance. Interestingly, Bancroft advises Sloat to consider offering an oath of allegiance to U.S. authorities, indicating an intent to integrate California into the U.S. political framework actively.
The instructions also highlight the economic motivations tied to the occupation of California. Bancroft outlines that "ships and produce of the United States should come and go free of duty," hinting at the economic incentives that accompanied military control. This not only emphasizes the U.S. intent to capitalize on California's resources but also suggests an approach designed to win local favor through trade advantages.
Furthermore, the broader context of U.S.-Mexico relations during this period is encapsulated in Bancroft's statement regarding the goal of achieving peace: "The object of the United States has reference to ultimate peace with Mexico." This statement reveals the dual agenda of military action accompanied by a façade of peace efforts, a tactic that characterized U.S. foreign policy during this era.
Lastly, the letter foreshadows the military cooperation necessary for successful territorial acquisition, as expressed in the conveyed message that "the government relies on the land and naval forces to co-operate." This cooperation was essential, especially since the U.S. was mobilizing military resources from multiple fronts, as indicated by the impending arrival of volunteer forces from New York, which were "to serve during the war."
In summary, Bancroft's communication is pragmatic and reflects the complex motivations behind U.S. actions during the Mexican-American War. The emphasis on military strategy, governance, economic interests, and the ethical justifications surrounding territorial acquisition, combined with the connection to Manifest Destiny, illustrates the multifaceted nature of American expansionism in the mid-19th century.
The mid-19th century was a pivotal period for the United States, characterized by profound transformations and territorial ambitions. Central to this transformation was the Mexican-American War (1846-1848), a conflict fueled by a mix of manifest destiny and strategic necessity. A revealing insight into the operational strategy of the era is captured in a dispatch dated July 12, 1846, from Secretary of the Navy George Bancroft to Commodore John D. Sloat. This document outlines the intentions of the U.S. government concerning California, underscoring the pivotal role U.S. naval forces were to play in asserting control over the region.
The 1840s marked a significant phase in the Westward expansion of the United States, driven by economic incentives, ideological beliefs in manifest destiny, and territorial disputes. At the heart of the conflict was the U.S. annexation of Texas—a territory still claimed by Mexico—but the war sparked broader ambitions targeting California and New Mexico. The U.S. government sought to acquire California not only for its fertile lands and strategic harbors but also to secure a foothold in the Pacific, crucial for burgeoning trade with Asia.
Bancroft's dispatch to Sloat serves as a strategic document emphasizing military expedience and the need for colonial governance. It reflects the aspirations of American policymakers to assert dominance over a region deeply shaped by Mexican culture and politics.
The letter opens with unequivocal directives: the U.S. government intended to "take and hold possession of California" throughout the ongoing war with Mexico. Bancroft lays out a multi-faceted strategy emphasizing coordination between naval and land forces. He notes that “a company of artillery, with cannon, mortars, and munitions of war, is sent to you in the Lexington, for the purpose of co-operating with you.” This underscores the integration of military capabilities as essential for success, rather than simply encouraged.
Bancroft instructs Sloat to occupy critical locations such as San Francisco and Monterey, framing the naval expedition within geographical terms central to U.S. aspirations in the Pacific. Notably, the selection of these tasks rests with Sloat, revealing both trust in his judgment and the fluid nature of military engagement during that era.
The dispatch also hints at the growing necessity for civil governance in newly acquired territories. Bancroft indicates that if Sloat's force proves sufficient, he should secure the harbors on the Gulf of California as far down as Guymas, implying that military occupation would soon transition into civilian administration. This emphasis on "establishing a civil administration" reflects an early understanding among U.S. leaders that sustaining control over California would require not just military might but also a structured governance framework.
Furthermore, Bancroft's guidance to respect “the wishes of the people of California” and to engage with local authority figures foreshadows the complex relationship between the United States and the Hispanic population in California—a dynamic that would evolve amid cultural strife and coexistence in the ensuing decades.
Bancroft's call to gauge local sentiments, particularly in Pueblo de los Angeles, appears to be a strategy to cultivate allegiance among a population cautious of foreign occupation. He urges Sloat to utilize diplomacy alongside military force, stating, “You should do so” if opportunities to win local leaders' cooperation arise. This early recognition of soft power, paired with hard power, encapsulates the intricate balance between military might and the realities of local governance colored by cultural nuances.
The strategic undertones of Bancroft's instructions reveal crucial elements—America's economic resurgence and evolving notions of empire. He emphasizes the necessity to protect American commerce in the region, insisting that "ships and produce of the United States should come and go free of duty." This underscores a burgeoning acknowledgment that territorial acquisition would bolster economic interests through resource control and advantageous trade routes to Asia.
The prospect of free trade epitomizes a core motive of U.S. expansionism—an economic dominance intertwined with the ideological tenets of manifest destiny. The blending of military objectives with economic aspirations illustrates a sophisticated understanding of geopolitics that would define U.S. foreign policy for generations.
As the United States pressed forward with its expansionist agenda, there emerged a pervasive belief in its cultural superiority. Sloat’s directive to protect the people of California highlights a paternalistic ethos, with the U.S. self-assigning the role of a civilizing force. Such notions justified subsequent policies of assimilation and exclusion, foreshadowing historically fraught relations between Anglo settlers and the region's indigenous or Mexican populations.
California was envisioned not merely as a territorial acquisition but as an extension of American identity—an arena to manifest values of democracy and capitalism. Yet, as these ideals collided with the realities of governance and cultural diversity, the U.S. faced the challenge of reconciling its foundational narratives with the complexities of its actions.
The execution of Bancroft’s directives soon culminated in decisive military successes, solidifying U.S. dominance over California. Sloat’s naval expedition in 1846 led to the capture of key locations including Monterey, San Francisco, and San Diego, successfully fulfilling the outlined intentions. The crucial integration of naval forces with land contingents proved vital—Sloat's collaboration with General Stephen W. Kearny became emblematic of broader military strategies during the war.
These victories laid the groundwork for California’s transition from a Mexican territory to an integral part of the United States. Sloat's actions interplayed dynamically with larger geopolitical trends, reinforcing U.S. ambitions not only towards the Pacific coast but also as a burgeoning global power.
However, establishing a civil government proved to be a complex challenge as the American military presence morphed into political governance. Bancroft’s early directives to respect local authority soon became difficult to uphold in the face of resistance from Mexican citizens and the elite. The historical irony that unfolded was one of coercive governance, often undermined by racial and cultural divides.
In its efforts to establish a governance framework, the U.S. sought to impose order while also standardizing economic practices. This endeavor, as highlighted in Bancroft’s letter, came into conflict with traditional Mexican systems, initiating a process of cultural assimilation that was impactful yet frequently violent.
The military actions of 1846 left a lasting legacy that resonated through the ensuing decades. California’s diverse cultural landscape, shaped by indigenous, Spanish, Mexican, and American influences, was significantly altered by these military engagements and the conflicts that followed. The appropriation of land and resources often disregarded local histories and rights, reshaping identities and societal structures.
As demographic shifts accelerated, so too did racial tensions, evidenced by policies that marginalized non-Anglo communities. This socio-political reality illustrates an ongoing struggle that continues to manifest today, reflecting broader issues of immigration, cultural representation, and social justice. The reverberations of Bancroft’s correspondence with Sloat remain palpable in California’s rich and intricate cultural tapestry—an enduring legacy of conflict and negotiation.
Contemplating Bancroft’s directives yields valuable insights into how historical narratives have shaped contemporary America. The intertwining of military and civil administration prefigured a tendency towards American interventionism in foreign lands under the banner of governance and freedom. This theme continues to provoke debate in the 21st century, often igniting discussions on sovereignty and neo-colonial practices.
Moreover, in economic contexts, the principles articulated in the letter resonate with current conversations surrounding globalization, free trade, and market access. As the U.S. navigates an increasingly interconnected economic landscape, the historical precedents set during California’s acquisition serve as cautionary tales about power dynamics, governance, and the rights of marginalized communities.
Bancroft’s call to action and governance reverberates today, illuminating the intersections of state power, cultural identity, and economic prosperity. Understanding this rich historical context is essential for deciphering the contemporary American experience, guiding our reflections on how history—more than a series of past events—continues to shape our present reality. By examining our past, we gain a deeper appreciation for the complex layers of our collective identity—rooted in ambition, conflict, and transformative change.
1. **Mexican-American War (1846-1848)** - For further reading on this conflict, visit the National Park Service's overview of the Mexican-American War [here](https://www.nps.gov/mwac/learn/historyculture/mexican-american-war.htm).
2. **Manifest Destiny** - To explore the concept of Manifest Destiny and its implications, see this resource from the Library of Congress [here](https://www.loc.gov/rr/program/bib/ourdocs/manifest.html).
3. **Naval Strategy in 19th Century America** - For a study on 19th-century naval strategies, check out the article by the U.S. Naval War College [here](https://www.usnwc.edu/Research---Gaming/Research-Papers/Strategy-and-Organization-of-the-U-S-Navy-in-the-19th-Century).
4. **Colonial Governance and Civil Administration** - To understand colonial governance practices, refer to this resource from the National Archives [here](https://www.archives.gov/research/american-west/colonial-governance).
5. **Cultural Dynamics and American Identity** - For insights on cultural dynamics during American expansionism, see the article by JSTOR Daily [here](https://daily.jstor.org/manifest-destiny-and-american-identity/).
6. **Local Populace in Military Campaigns** - To learn more about the role of local populations in military campaigns, visit the article from the American Historical Association [here](https://www.historians.org/Publications-and-Directories/Perspectives-on-History/2016/October/Understanding-the-Role-of-the-Local-Populace-in-War).
7. **Economic Motives of Expansionism** - For a more in-depth analysis of the economic motives behind U.S. expansionism, check this article by Harvard Business Review [here](https://hbr.org/2022/10/the-economic-forces-behind-american-expansionism).
8. **Legacy of Racial Tensions** - To further explore the legacy of racial tensions in California, refer to this report by the California State Library [here](https://www.library.ca.gov/portals/0/libraries/legacy-of-racial-tensions.pdf).
9. **Modern Implications of Historical Policies** - For an examination of how historical policies influence present-day governance, see this piece by the Brookings Institution [here](https://www.brookings.edu/research/understanding-the-implications-of-history-for-modern-governance/).
These phrases and sources offer a broad overview of the historical context, consequences, and ongoing discussions related to U.S. expansionism in the mid-19th century.
**Citation**: The Californian
- UNITED STATES NAVY DEPARTMENT. Washington, July 12, 1846., 1847-08-21
https://cdnc.ucr.edu/ University of California Riverside Digital Newspaper Archive
From the Secretary of the Navy to Com. Sloat.
Commodore—Previous instructions have informed you of the intention of this government, pending the war with Mexico, to take and hold possession of California. For this end, a company of artillery, with cannon, mortars and munitions of war, is sent to you in the Lexington, for the purpose of co-operating with you, according to the best of your judgement, and of occupying under your direction such post or posts as you may deem expedient in the Bay of Monterey, or in the Bay of San Francisco, or in both. In the absence of a military officer higher than captain, the selection of the first American post or posts on the waters of the Pacific in California, is left to your direction. The object of the United States is, under its rights as a belligerent nation, to possess itself entirely of Upper California. When San Francisco and Monterey are secured, you will, if possible, find a small vessel of war to take and hold possession of the port of San Diego: and it would be well to ascertain the views of the inhabitants of Pueblo de los Angeles, who, according to information received here, may be counted upon as desirous of coming under the jurisdiction of the United States. If you can take possession of it, you should do so. The object of the United States has reference to ultimate peace with Mexico; and if, at that peace, the basis of the uti possidetis shall be established, the government expects, through your force, to be found in actual possession of Upper California. This will bring with it the necessity of a civil administration. Such a government should be established under your protection; and in selecting persons to hold office, due respect should be had to the wishes of the people of California, as well as to the actual possessors of authority in that province. It may be proper to require an oath of allegiance to the United States from those who are entrusted with authority. You will also assure the people of California of the protection of the United States. In reference to commercial regulations in the ports of which you are in actual possession, ships and produce of the United States, should come and go free of duty. For your further instructions, I enclose you a copy of confidential instructions from the War Department to Brigadier General S. W. Kearny, who is ordered over land to California. You will also communicate your instructions to him, and inform him that they have the sanction of the President. The government relies on the land and naval forces to co-operate, with each, other in the most friendly and effective manner. After you shall have secured Upper California, if your force is sufficient, you will take possession of, and keep the harbors on the Gulf of California, as far down at least as Guymas. But this is not to interfere with the permanent occupation of Upper California. A regiment of volunteers from the state of New York, to serve during the war have been called by the government, and are expected to sail from the first to the tenth of August. This regiment will in the first instance, report to the naval commander on your station, but will ultimately be under the command of General Kearny, who is appointed to conduct the expedition by land. The term of three years having nearly expired since you have been in command of the Pacific squadron, Commodore Shubrick will be sent out in the Independence to relieve you. The department confidently hopes that all Upper California will be in our hands before the relief shall arrive. Very respectfully, GEORGE BANCROFT. Commodore John D. SLOAT, Commanding U. S. naval forces in the Pacific ocean. ——
Bancroft's message clearly states the government's aims: "the intention of this government, pending the war with Mexico, to take and hold possession of California." This explicit direction underscores the U.S. commitment to seizing control over California amidst the war's backdrop, framing it as a legal action under "its rights as a belligerent nation." The call for occupation reflects a systematic approach to territorial expansion, justifying imperial pursuits under the pretext of securing peace and order.
Moreover, the identification of specific strategic locations is significant. Bancroft instructs Sloat to focus on key areas: "you may deem expedient in the Bay of Monterey, or in the Bay of San Francisco, or in both." The choice of these locations was not arbitrary; each played a pivotal role in accessing the Pacific Ocean, which was vital for maritime trade and military logistics. The instructions to eventually take possession of San Diego further indicate a planned comprehensive control of California's coastal areas.
The letter also reflects early ideals about governance and the incorporation of local populations. Bancroft mentions that "due respect should be had to the wishes of the people of California, as well as to the actual possessors of authority in that province." This suggests an awareness of the necessity to balance military occupation with some form of legitimacy conferred upon local governance. Interestingly, Bancroft advises Sloat to consider offering an oath of allegiance to U.S. authorities, indicating an intent to integrate California into the U.S. political framework actively.
The instructions also highlight the economic motivations tied to the occupation of California. Bancroft outlines that "ships and produce of the United States should come and go free of duty," hinting at the economic incentives that accompanied military control. This not only emphasizes the U.S. intent to capitalize on California's resources but also suggests an approach designed to win local favor through trade advantages.
Furthermore, the broader context of U.S.-Mexico relations during this period is encapsulated in Bancroft's statement regarding the goal of achieving peace: "The object of the United States has reference to ultimate peace with Mexico." This statement reveals the dual agenda of military action accompanied by a façade of peace efforts, a tactic that characterized U.S. foreign policy during this era.
Lastly, the letter foreshadows the military cooperation necessary for successful territorial acquisition, as expressed in the conveyed message that "the government relies on the land and naval forces to co-operate." This cooperation was essential, especially since the U.S. was mobilizing military resources from multiple fronts, as indicated by the impending arrival of volunteer forces from New York, which were "to serve during the war."
In summary, Bancroft's communication is pragmatic and reflects the complex motivations behind U.S. actions during the Mexican-American War. The emphasis on military strategy, governance, economic interests, and the ethical justifications surrounding territorial acquisition, combined with the connection to Manifest Destiny, illustrates the multifaceted nature of American expansionism in the mid-19th century.
The United States Navy's Strategic Initiative in California: An Analytical Reflection on the 1846 Dispatch to Commodore Sloat
The mid-19th century was a pivotal period for the United States, characterized by profound transformations and territorial ambitions. Central to this transformation was the Mexican-American War (1846-1848), a conflict fueled by a mix of manifest destiny and strategic necessity. A revealing insight into the operational strategy of the era is captured in a dispatch dated July 12, 1846, from Secretary of the Navy George Bancroft to Commodore John D. Sloat. This document outlines the intentions of the U.S. government concerning California, underscoring the pivotal role U.S. naval forces were to play in asserting control over the region.
The Context of the Mexican-American War
The 1840s marked a significant phase in the Westward expansion of the United States, driven by economic incentives, ideological beliefs in manifest destiny, and territorial disputes. At the heart of the conflict was the U.S. annexation of Texas—a territory still claimed by Mexico—but the war sparked broader ambitions targeting California and New Mexico. The U.S. government sought to acquire California not only for its fertile lands and strategic harbors but also to secure a foothold in the Pacific, crucial for burgeoning trade with Asia.
Bancroft's dispatch to Sloat serves as a strategic document emphasizing military expedience and the need for colonial governance. It reflects the aspirations of American policymakers to assert dominance over a region deeply shaped by Mexican culture and politics.
A Call to Action: The Letter to Commodore Sloat
The letter opens with unequivocal directives: the U.S. government intended to "take and hold possession of California" throughout the ongoing war with Mexico. Bancroft lays out a multi-faceted strategy emphasizing coordination between naval and land forces. He notes that “a company of artillery, with cannon, mortars, and munitions of war, is sent to you in the Lexington, for the purpose of co-operating with you.” This underscores the integration of military capabilities as essential for success, rather than simply encouraged.
Bancroft instructs Sloat to occupy critical locations such as San Francisco and Monterey, framing the naval expedition within geographical terms central to U.S. aspirations in the Pacific. Notably, the selection of these tasks rests with Sloat, revealing both trust in his judgment and the fluid nature of military engagement during that era.
Civil Implications of Military Conquests
The dispatch also hints at the growing necessity for civil governance in newly acquired territories. Bancroft indicates that if Sloat's force proves sufficient, he should secure the harbors on the Gulf of California as far down as Guymas, implying that military occupation would soon transition into civilian administration. This emphasis on "establishing a civil administration" reflects an early understanding among U.S. leaders that sustaining control over California would require not just military might but also a structured governance framework.
Furthermore, Bancroft's guidance to respect “the wishes of the people of California” and to engage with local authority figures foreshadows the complex relationship between the United States and the Hispanic population in California—a dynamic that would evolve amid cultural strife and coexistence in the ensuing decades.
The Role of the Local Populace
Bancroft's call to gauge local sentiments, particularly in Pueblo de los Angeles, appears to be a strategy to cultivate allegiance among a population cautious of foreign occupation. He urges Sloat to utilize diplomacy alongside military force, stating, “You should do so” if opportunities to win local leaders' cooperation arise. This early recognition of soft power, paired with hard power, encapsulates the intricate balance between military might and the realities of local governance colored by cultural nuances.
The Strategic Underpinnings of U.S. Expansionism
The strategic undertones of Bancroft's instructions reveal crucial elements—America's economic resurgence and evolving notions of empire. He emphasizes the necessity to protect American commerce in the region, insisting that "ships and produce of the United States should come and go free of duty." This underscores a burgeoning acknowledgment that territorial acquisition would bolster economic interests through resource control and advantageous trade routes to Asia.
The prospect of free trade epitomizes a core motive of U.S. expansionism—an economic dominance intertwined with the ideological tenets of manifest destiny. The blending of military objectives with economic aspirations illustrates a sophisticated understanding of geopolitics that would define U.S. foreign policy for generations.
Cultural Dynamics and American Identity
As the United States pressed forward with its expansionist agenda, there emerged a pervasive belief in its cultural superiority. Sloat’s directive to protect the people of California highlights a paternalistic ethos, with the U.S. self-assigning the role of a civilizing force. Such notions justified subsequent policies of assimilation and exclusion, foreshadowing historically fraught relations between Anglo settlers and the region's indigenous or Mexican populations.
California was envisioned not merely as a territorial acquisition but as an extension of American identity—an arena to manifest values of democracy and capitalism. Yet, as these ideals collided with the realities of governance and cultural diversity, the U.S. faced the challenge of reconciling its foundational narratives with the complexities of its actions.
The Outcomes of the Navy’s Expedition: A Precursor to Statehood
The execution of Bancroft’s directives soon culminated in decisive military successes, solidifying U.S. dominance over California. Sloat’s naval expedition in 1846 led to the capture of key locations including Monterey, San Francisco, and San Diego, successfully fulfilling the outlined intentions. The crucial integration of naval forces with land contingents proved vital—Sloat's collaboration with General Stephen W. Kearny became emblematic of broader military strategies during the war.
These victories laid the groundwork for California’s transition from a Mexican territory to an integral part of the United States. Sloat's actions interplayed dynamically with larger geopolitical trends, reinforcing U.S. ambitions not only towards the Pacific coast but also as a burgeoning global power.
The Civil Administration
However, establishing a civil government proved to be a complex challenge as the American military presence morphed into political governance. Bancroft’s early directives to respect local authority soon became difficult to uphold in the face of resistance from Mexican citizens and the elite. The historical irony that unfolded was one of coercive governance, often undermined by racial and cultural divides.
In its efforts to establish a governance framework, the U.S. sought to impose order while also standardizing economic practices. This endeavor, as highlighted in Bancroft’s letter, came into conflict with traditional Mexican systems, initiating a process of cultural assimilation that was impactful yet frequently violent.
Long-Term Consequences: A Legacy of Complexity
The military actions of 1846 left a lasting legacy that resonated through the ensuing decades. California’s diverse cultural landscape, shaped by indigenous, Spanish, Mexican, and American influences, was significantly altered by these military engagements and the conflicts that followed. The appropriation of land and resources often disregarded local histories and rights, reshaping identities and societal structures.
As demographic shifts accelerated, so too did racial tensions, evidenced by policies that marginalized non-Anglo communities. This socio-political reality illustrates an ongoing struggle that continues to manifest today, reflecting broader issues of immigration, cultural representation, and social justice. The reverberations of Bancroft’s correspondence with Sloat remain palpable in California’s rich and intricate cultural tapestry—an enduring legacy of conflict and negotiation.
Modern Implications of Historical Policies
Contemplating Bancroft’s directives yields valuable insights into how historical narratives have shaped contemporary America. The intertwining of military and civil administration prefigured a tendency towards American interventionism in foreign lands under the banner of governance and freedom. This theme continues to provoke debate in the 21st century, often igniting discussions on sovereignty and neo-colonial practices.
Moreover, in economic contexts, the principles articulated in the letter resonate with current conversations surrounding globalization, free trade, and market access. As the U.S. navigates an increasingly interconnected economic landscape, the historical precedents set during California’s acquisition serve as cautionary tales about power dynamics, governance, and the rights of marginalized communities.
Conclusion
The letter from Secretary of the Navy George Bancroft to Commodore John D. Sloat transcends its status as a mere historical document; it encapsulates a critical moment that charted the course for California and the broader trajectory of the United States. As military expansion strategies intertwined with governance and cultural norms, the consequences of these policies resonate far beyond the 19th century, influencing ongoing dialogues in American society.Bancroft’s call to action and governance reverberates today, illuminating the intersections of state power, cultural identity, and economic prosperity. Understanding this rich historical context is essential for deciphering the contemporary American experience, guiding our reflections on how history—more than a series of past events—continues to shape our present reality. By examining our past, we gain a deeper appreciation for the complex layers of our collective identity—rooted in ambition, conflict, and transformative change.
Key Phrases:
1. **Mexican-American War (1846-1848)** - For further reading on this conflict, visit the National Park Service's overview of the Mexican-American War [here](https://www.nps.gov/mwac/learn/historyculture/mexican-american-war.htm).
2. **Manifest Destiny** - To explore the concept of Manifest Destiny and its implications, see this resource from the Library of Congress [here](https://www.loc.gov/rr/program/bib/ourdocs/manifest.html).
3. **Naval Strategy in 19th Century America** - For a study on 19th-century naval strategies, check out the article by the U.S. Naval War College [here](https://www.usnwc.edu/Research---Gaming/Research-Papers/Strategy-and-Organization-of-the-U-S-Navy-in-the-19th-Century).
4. **Colonial Governance and Civil Administration** - To understand colonial governance practices, refer to this resource from the National Archives [here](https://www.archives.gov/research/american-west/colonial-governance).
5. **Cultural Dynamics and American Identity** - For insights on cultural dynamics during American expansionism, see the article by JSTOR Daily [here](https://daily.jstor.org/manifest-destiny-and-american-identity/).
6. **Local Populace in Military Campaigns** - To learn more about the role of local populations in military campaigns, visit the article from the American Historical Association [here](https://www.historians.org/Publications-and-Directories/Perspectives-on-History/2016/October/Understanding-the-Role-of-the-Local-Populace-in-War).
7. **Economic Motives of Expansionism** - For a more in-depth analysis of the economic motives behind U.S. expansionism, check this article by Harvard Business Review [here](https://hbr.org/2022/10/the-economic-forces-behind-american-expansionism).
8. **Legacy of Racial Tensions** - To further explore the legacy of racial tensions in California, refer to this report by the California State Library [here](https://www.library.ca.gov/portals/0/libraries/legacy-of-racial-tensions.pdf).
9. **Modern Implications of Historical Policies** - For an examination of how historical policies influence present-day governance, see this piece by the Brookings Institution [here](https://www.brookings.edu/research/understanding-the-implications-of-history-for-modern-governance/).
These phrases and sources offer a broad overview of the historical context, consequences, and ongoing discussions related to U.S. expansionism in the mid-19th century.
**Citation**: The Californian
- UNITED STATES NAVY DEPARTMENT. Washington, July 12, 1846., 1847-08-21
https://cdnc.ucr.edu/ University of California Riverside Digital Newspaper Archive
Original Article:
From the Secretary of the Navy to Com. Sloat.
Commodore—Previous instructions have informed you of the intention of this government, pending the war with Mexico, to take and hold possession of California. For this end, a company of artillery, with cannon, mortars and munitions of war, is sent to you in the Lexington, for the purpose of co-operating with you, according to the best of your judgement, and of occupying under your direction such post or posts as you may deem expedient in the Bay of Monterey, or in the Bay of San Francisco, or in both. In the absence of a military officer higher than captain, the selection of the first American post or posts on the waters of the Pacific in California, is left to your direction. The object of the United States is, under its rights as a belligerent nation, to possess itself entirely of Upper California. When San Francisco and Monterey are secured, you will, if possible, find a small vessel of war to take and hold possession of the port of San Diego: and it would be well to ascertain the views of the inhabitants of Pueblo de los Angeles, who, according to information received here, may be counted upon as desirous of coming under the jurisdiction of the United States. If you can take possession of it, you should do so. The object of the United States has reference to ultimate peace with Mexico; and if, at that peace, the basis of the uti possidetis shall be established, the government expects, through your force, to be found in actual possession of Upper California. This will bring with it the necessity of a civil administration. Such a government should be established under your protection; and in selecting persons to hold office, due respect should be had to the wishes of the people of California, as well as to the actual possessors of authority in that province. It may be proper to require an oath of allegiance to the United States from those who are entrusted with authority. You will also assure the people of California of the protection of the United States. In reference to commercial regulations in the ports of which you are in actual possession, ships and produce of the United States, should come and go free of duty. For your further instructions, I enclose you a copy of confidential instructions from the War Department to Brigadier General S. W. Kearny, who is ordered over land to California. You will also communicate your instructions to him, and inform him that they have the sanction of the President. The government relies on the land and naval forces to co-operate, with each, other in the most friendly and effective manner. After you shall have secured Upper California, if your force is sufficient, you will take possession of, and keep the harbors on the Gulf of California, as far down at least as Guymas. But this is not to interfere with the permanent occupation of Upper California. A regiment of volunteers from the state of New York, to serve during the war have been called by the government, and are expected to sail from the first to the tenth of August. This regiment will in the first instance, report to the naval commander on your station, but will ultimately be under the command of General Kearny, who is appointed to conduct the expedition by land. The term of three years having nearly expired since you have been in command of the Pacific squadron, Commodore Shubrick will be sent out in the Independence to relieve you. The department confidently hopes that all Upper California will be in our hands before the relief shall arrive. Very respectfully, GEORGE BANCROFT. Commodore John D. SLOAT, Commanding U. S. naval forces in the Pacific ocean. ——
