Why did the US want Oregon Country?

There were several key reasons why the United States wanted to acquire Oregon Country, which was a vast territory in the Pacific Northwest that stretched from the present-day states of Washington and Oregon to parts of Idaho and Wyoming:

1. Access to the Pacific Ocean: The United States was eager to expand its presence on the Pacific coast to gain access to the lucrative trade routes with Asia. Oregon Country provided an opportunity to establish ports and harbors that could facilitate trade and commerce.

2. Manifest Destiny: The concept of Manifest Destiny played a significant role in the US desire for Oregon Country. Manifest Destiny was the belief that the United States had a divine right to expand its territory from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. Acquiring Oregon Country was seen as a natural and inevitable step in this process.

3. Territorial Disputes: The Oregon Country was jointly occupied by the United States and Great Britain, under the terms of the Anglo-American Convention of 1818, which established a boundary at the 49th parallel from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. However, the precise location of the boundary was disputed, leading to tensions and conflicts between the two nations.

4. Economic Potential: Oregon Country was known for its abundant natural resources, including timber, fertile soil, and abundant wildlife. These resources attracted settlers and fur trappers, who saw opportunities for economic prosperity in the region.

5. Control of the Columbia River: The Columbia River was a key transportation route in the region. The United States wanted to secure control of the river to facilitate trade, navigation, and access to the interior of the continent.

6. Diplomatic Pressure: The United States faced pressure from American settlers who had already moved to Oregon Country and advocated for its annexation into the United States. The government was also concerned about the potential for British influence in the region.

7. Geopolitical Competition: Acquiring Oregon Country was seen as important in the context of geopolitical competition with other nations, particularly Russia, which had established settlements in Alaska. The US wanted to prevent any potential rival claims or encroachment in the region.