The Pig War - OverSimplified
OverSimplified・2 minutes read
The United States and Canada engaged in territorial disputes over the Oregon region and San Juan Island, leading to tensions and potential conflict that were ultimately resolved through international arbitration, with the San Juan Islands awarded to the United States.
Insights
- Manifest Destiny was a belief that America had a divine right to expand across the continent, leading to territorial disputes with Canada and Britain over the Northwestern territories, eventually culminating in a conflict over San Juan Island.
- The San Juan Islands ownership dispute between the United States and Britain escalated due to a series of confrontations involving sheep, taxes, and military threats, but was eventually resolved through international arbitration in favor of the United States, after a joint occupation settlement and cooperation between American and British troops.
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What was the Manifest Destiny belief?
The Manifest Destiny belief was that America had a divine right to expand across the continent.
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Summary
00:00
US-Canada Border Dispute and Manifest Destiny
- The United States secured independence from Great Britain after the Revolutionary War.
- Benjamin Franklin expressed interest in acquiring Canadian territory after the war.
- The border between the United States and Canada was established after the War of 1812.
- Manifest Destiny was the belief that America had a divine right to expand across the continent.
- Both America and Canada were interested in controlling the Western territories.
- The joint occupation of the Northwestern territory was agreed upon temporarily by both sides.
- Americans began settling in the Oregon territory, leading to tensions with the British.
- President Polk claimed America's right to the Oregon region, almost sparking a war with Britain.
- The border issue was resolved with a straight line to the Strait of Georgia, but island ownership remained disputed.
- James Douglas, Governor of Vancouver Island, sent settlers to secure the San Juan Island for Britain.
12:57
Territorial Dispute: Sheep, Taxes, and Tensions
- Americans and British engage in a territorial dispute over sheep and taxes on San Juan Island.
- Charles Griffin appointed as a magistrate to deal with American trespassers.
- Griffin appoints a Hawaiian shepherd as a Constable to assist in the situation.
- U.S. customs inspector confronts British officials with weapons, leading to a standoff.
- Whatcom county officials demand payment from Griffin for taxes, leading to a conflict.
- Officials seize and auction off Griffin's sheep, causing tension between the two sides.
- British and American governments intervene to prevent escalation and set up a boundary commission.
- Proposal to split the islands between the two nations is rejected, leading to continued disputes.
- Lyman Cutler, an American settler, shoots Griffin's pig, sparking further conflict.
- General Harney plans to provoke a war by landing American troops on the disputed island, escalating tensions.
26:06
San Juan Islands Ownership Dispute Resolved
- Pickett hastily moved his camp to a new exposed position after being warned of imminent danger.
- American and British officials arrived to question Pickett's actions, leading to chaos with tourists joining in.
- Governor Douglas felt British honor was at stake and proposed a joint military occupation of the island.
- Captain Hornby informed Pickett of the plan, to which Pickett threatened to open fire if British troops landed.
- Rear Admiral Baynes arrived, outranking Douglas, and canceled all orders, opting not to interfere with the Americans.
- General Winfield Scott intervened, replacing Pickett with Captain Hunt for a joint occupation settlement.
- Despite initial tensions, the troops on the island eventually cooperated and even celebrated together.
- The issue of San Juan's ownership was put on hold due to the Civil War erupting in 1861.
- The ownership dispute was later resolved through international arbitration, with the San Juan Islands awarded to the United States.
