# Start End Original Translated
1 00:00:11,707 00:00:15,232 Previously, on "The Men Who Built America: Frontiersmen.." Previously, on "The Men Who Built America: Frontiersmen.."
2 00:00:17,539 00:00:21,891 Forty years after Daniel Boone crossed the Appalachians Forty years after Daniel Boone crossed the Appalachians
3 00:00:21,934 00:00:25,242 the American frontier now reaches as far west the American frontier now reaches as far west
4 00:00:25,286 00:00:26,722 as the Great Plains. as the Great Plains.
5 00:00:32,945 00:00:37,646 Famed Shawnee war chief, Tecumseh falls in battle Famed Shawnee war chief, Tecumseh falls in battle
6 00:00:37,689 00:00:40,997 and with him dies the dream of a Pan-Indian homeland. and with him dies the dream of a Pan-Indian homeland.
7 00:00:41,041 00:00:42,216 Fire! Fire!
8 00:00:44,827 00:00:46,350 Andrew Jackson defeats Great Britain Andrew Jackson defeats Great Britain
9 00:00:46,394 00:00:48,483 in the War of 1812 in the War of 1812
10 00:00:48,526 00:00:50,180 a victory that propels him a victory that propels him
11 00:00:50,224 00:00:52,443 to the presidency. to the presidency.
12 00:00:54,489 00:00:56,360 His bitter rival, Davy Crockett His bitter rival, Davy Crockett
13 00:00:56,404 00:00:58,101 seeks a fresh start seeks a fresh start
14 00:00:58,145 00:01:00,495 in the Mexican territory of Texas. in the Mexican territory of Texas.
15 00:01:03,889 00:01:06,544 We need somebody like you, Crockett. We need somebody like you, Crockett.
16 00:01:06,588 00:01:08,111 What he finds instead.. What he finds instead..
17 00:01:08,155 00:01:09,330 Hell or Texas. Hell or Texas.
18 00:01:09,373 00:01:11,897 Hell or Texas! Hell or Texas!
19 00:01:11,941 00:01:13,682 ...is a fight for freedom.. ...is a fight for freedom..
20 00:01:18,339 00:01:20,123 ...that will make him a legend. ...that will make him a legend.
21 00:01:36,270 00:01:41,536 Whoa-oa-oa whoa-oa-oa Whoa-oa-oa whoa-oa-oa
22 00:02:29,366 00:02:31,194 At a garrison in Southern Texas At a garrison in Southern Texas
23 00:02:31,238 00:02:33,457 known as the Alamo known as the Alamo
24 00:02:33,501 00:02:36,547 nearly 260 men, women, and children nearly 260 men, women, and children
25 00:02:36,591 00:02:38,680 prepare for a siege. prepare for a siege.
26 00:02:42,423 00:02:43,902 Among their commanders Among their commanders
27 00:02:43,946 00:02:46,340 is celebrated frontiersman.. is celebrated frontiersman..
28 00:02:46,383 00:02:47,384 ...Davy Crockett. ...Davy Crockett.
29 00:02:51,127 00:02:55,262 Outside the walls, cle to 5000 Mexican troops Outside the walls, cle to 5000 Mexican troops
30 00:02:55,305 00:02:57,699 led by the ruthless general, Santa Anna.. led by the ruthless general, Santa Anna..
31 00:02:58,830 00:03:00,092 ...surround the mission. ...surround the mission.
32 00:03:02,573 00:03:04,575 The Texians believed that Santa Anna's troops The Texians believed that Santa Anna's troops
33 00:03:04,619 00:03:06,142 were two months out were two months out
34 00:03:06,186 00:03:08,710 but once Crockett got to the Alamo but once Crockett got to the Alamo
35 00:03:08,753 00:03:11,408 and it became clear that Santa Anna's troops and it became clear that Santa Anna's troops
36 00:03:11,452 00:03:13,671 were on the march and they were much closer were on the march and they were much closer
37 00:03:13,715 00:03:15,456 than had been anticipated than had been anticipated
38 00:03:15,499 00:03:16,935 there was no getting out of it there was no getting out of it
39 00:03:16,979 00:03:18,198 at this point for Crockett. at this point for Crockett.
40 00:03:19,460 00:03:21,331 Alright, close it up. Alright, close it up.
41 00:03:29,078 00:03:30,688 Right, there on the walls. Right, there on the walls.
42 00:03:30,732 00:03:32,124 Let's go, go, go! Let's go, go, go!
43 00:03:45,573 00:03:48,097 This massive, well-trained army This massive, well-trained army
44 00:03:48,140 00:03:50,447 you know, surrounding this, this little mission you know, surrounding this, this little mission
45 00:03:50,491 00:03:52,144 in the middle of the desert. in the middle of the desert.
46 00:03:52,188 00:03:54,059 The Alamo looks like a complete The Alamo looks like a complete
47 00:03:54,103 00:03:55,800 uh, disaster waiting to happen. uh, disaster waiting to happen.
48 00:03:59,195 00:04:01,284 Outnumbered fifteen to one.. Outnumbered fifteen to one..
49 00:04:03,591 00:04:06,724 ...Crockett knows the odds of survival are bleak. ...Crockett knows the odds of survival are bleak.
50 00:04:11,686 00:04:12,948 Man, uh, th-there's a thing that happens Man, uh, th-there's a thing that happens
51 00:04:12,991 00:04:15,298 when death's at the door. when death's at the door.
52 00:04:15,342 00:04:17,387 Most people don't know when the reaper's gonna show up, right? Most people don't know when the reaper's gonna show up, right?
53 00:04:17,431 00:04:21,391 You just kinda, hopefully, y-you die in peace or you die quickly. You just kinda, hopefully, y-you die in peace or you die quickly.
54 00:04:21,435 00:04:23,045 When you see the reaper standing outside the door When you see the reaper standing outside the door
55 00:04:23,088 00:04:25,700 and you know he's comin' in here for us and you know he's comin' in here for us
56 00:04:25,743 00:04:28,137 your world just kinda lends perspective in that moment. your world just kinda lends perspective in that moment.
57 00:04:28,180 00:04:29,660 What was important, what's not important What was important, what's not important
58 00:04:29,704 00:04:31,619 who I wish I would've talked to. who I wish I would've talked to.
59 00:04:31,662 00:04:35,144 Man, it's a hell of a thing to, to go through that. Man, it's a hell of a thing to, to go through that.
60 00:04:58,428 00:05:02,998 Over the course of an hour, Crockett and the Texans Over the course of an hour, Crockett and the Texans
61 00:05:03,041 00:05:05,870 repel the Mexican advances three times. repel the Mexican advances three times.
62 00:05:14,270 00:05:16,838 But Santa Anna is relentless But Santa Anna is relentless
63 00:05:16,881 00:05:20,232 accepting heavy losses to breach the fortress. accepting heavy losses to breach the fortress.
64 00:05:35,291 00:05:39,948 Santa Anna sent his troops from many different sides. Santa Anna sent his troops from many different sides.
65 00:05:39,991 00:05:43,255 Wave, after wave, after wave of men Wave, after wave, after wave of men
66 00:05:43,299 00:05:45,823 uh, who scaled ladders uh, who scaled ladders
67 00:05:45,867 00:05:49,305 and swarmed literally like locusts. and swarmed literally like locusts.
68 00:06:11,196 00:06:15,505 Davy Crockett did what many American patriots have done Davy Crockett did what many American patriots have done
69 00:06:15,549 00:06:19,291 and that is decide to stay and fight for a cause and that is decide to stay and fight for a cause
70 00:06:19,335 00:06:21,685 in the face of an attacking enemy. in the face of an attacking enemy.
71 00:06:23,034 00:06:25,254 And it speaks volumes about him And it speaks volumes about him
72 00:06:25,297 00:06:26,995 uh, and about his character. uh, and about his character.
73 00:06:44,404 00:06:46,188 Ninety minutes after the battle begins.. Ninety minutes after the battle begins..
74 00:06:48,190 00:06:50,932 ...the Mexican Army takes the Alamo. ...the Mexican Army takes the Alamo.
75 00:06:54,588 00:06:57,939 Almost all of the fort's defenders are killed. Almost all of the fort's defenders are killed.
76 00:07:09,559 00:07:11,213 Most accounts suggest Most accounts suggest
77 00:07:11,256 00:07:14,085 that Crockett was in some of the heaviest fighting that Crockett was in some of the heaviest fighting
78 00:07:14,129 00:07:17,524 and that he was one of the last remaining survivors. and that he was one of the last remaining survivors.
79 00:07:19,787 00:07:24,531 They were led out and executed right in front of Santa Anna. They were led out and executed right in front of Santa Anna.
80 00:07:24,574 00:07:28,317 Then they were loaded into three separate human pyres Then they were loaded into three separate human pyres
81 00:07:28,360 00:07:30,319 and lit aflame. and lit aflame.
82 00:07:32,887 00:07:36,281 For Crockett to live this incredible life For Crockett to live this incredible life
83 00:07:36,325 00:07:41,025 on the frontier and then die at the Alamo on the frontier and then die at the Alamo
84 00:07:41,069 00:07:45,508 sealed him as legendary. sealed him as legendary.
85 00:07:50,339 00:07:52,384 Davy Crockett was not this kind of Davy Crockett was not this kind of
86 00:07:52,428 00:07:56,301 backwoods outdoorsman, uh, entirely. backwoods outdoorsman, uh, entirely.
87 00:07:56,345 00:07:59,783 Uh, he was a man with great political ambitions Uh, he was a man with great political ambitions
88 00:07:59,827 00:08:01,524 who got into trouble because he was also who got into trouble because he was also
89 00:08:01,568 00:08:04,919 very independent-minded, so he wouldn't always play ball very independent-minded, so he wouldn't always play ball
90 00:08:04,962 00:08:07,661 uh, with the political establishment. uh, with the political establishment.
91 00:08:07,704 00:08:11,229 Crockett was always the congressman of the little guy. Crockett was always the congressman of the little guy.
92 00:08:11,273 00:08:13,144 It is that underdog struggle It is that underdog struggle
93 00:08:13,188 00:08:15,843 uh, fighting against a-a tyranny. uh, fighting against a-a tyranny.
94 00:08:15,886 00:08:17,671 And so, the story And so, the story
95 00:08:17,714 00:08:19,803 of Davy Crockett goin' down swinging of Davy Crockett goin' down swinging
96 00:08:19,847 00:08:22,806 fighting to the very last man, and the very last breath fighting to the very last man, and the very last breath
97 00:08:22,850 00:08:26,418 uh, feeds the legend of the King of the Wild Frontier. uh, feeds the legend of the King of the Wild Frontier.
98 00:08:32,512 00:08:34,122 Word of the slaughter at the Alamo Word of the slaughter at the Alamo
99 00:08:34,165 00:08:36,254 soon spreads across the country.. soon spreads across the country..
100 00:08:38,126 00:08:40,171 ...enraging Americans. ...enraging Americans.
101 00:08:50,399 00:08:53,010 In Washington, President Andrew Jackson In Washington, President Andrew Jackson
102 00:08:53,054 00:08:57,058 sees the defeat in Texas as a much bigger concern. sees the defeat in Texas as a much bigger concern.
103 00:09:00,801 00:09:02,977 By 1836.. By 1836..
104 00:09:03,020 00:09:05,675 ...Mexico is a significant territorial rival ...Mexico is a significant territorial rival
105 00:09:05,719 00:09:07,634 in North America. in North America.
106 00:09:07,677 00:09:10,854 Mexico controls land stretching from California Mexico controls land stretching from California
107 00:09:10,898 00:09:12,639 to the border of Oregon to the border of Oregon
108 00:09:12,682 00:09:16,773 covering more than 1.7 million square miles. covering more than 1.7 million square miles.
109 00:09:16,817 00:09:18,688 The US hasn't added a new state The US hasn't added a new state
110 00:09:18,732 00:09:21,473 since Missouri in 1821 since Missouri in 1821
111 00:09:21,517 00:09:26,740 and the promise of expansion west feels stalled. and the promise of expansion west feels stalled.
112 00:09:26,783 00:09:29,525 Andrew Jackson was among those Americans Andrew Jackson was among those Americans
113 00:09:29,569 00:09:31,483 who believed that Texas ought to be who believed that Texas ought to be
114 00:09:31,527 00:09:33,442 part of the United States. part of the United States.
115 00:09:33,485 00:09:36,837 But Jackson was also a man with a keen strategic sense But Jackson was also a man with a keen strategic sense
116 00:09:36,880 00:09:39,187 who wanted to strike at the right moment. who wanted to strike at the right moment.
117 00:09:39,230 00:09:42,016 He didn't want to have a war with Mexico just then. He didn't want to have a war with Mexico just then.
118 00:09:42,059 00:09:45,759 Didn't think the time was right. Didn't think the time was right.
119 00:09:45,802 00:09:48,762 If Texas can win its own independence If Texas can win its own independence
120 00:09:48,805 00:09:51,155 Jackson can bring it into the union. Jackson can bring it into the union.
121 00:09:51,199 00:09:54,071 Until then, his hands are tied. Until then, his hands are tied.
122 00:10:05,561 00:10:08,651 Fortunately, for Jackson.. Fortunately, for Jackson..
123 00:10:08,695 00:10:11,480 ...one Texan sees the crushing loss at the Alamo ...one Texan sees the crushing loss at the Alamo
124 00:10:11,523 00:10:13,047 as an opportunity. as an opportunity.
125 00:10:14,396 00:10:16,877 His name is Sam Houston. His name is Sam Houston.
126 00:10:18,792 00:10:21,011 Crockett and Sam Houston Crockett and Sam Houston
127 00:10:21,055 00:10:24,275 both served in Andrew Jackson's militia both served in Andrew Jackson's militia
128 00:10:24,319 00:10:26,147 during the Creek War. during the Creek War.
129 00:10:26,190 00:10:30,281 Houston became famous for the Battle of Horseshoe Bend Houston became famous for the Battle of Horseshoe Bend
130 00:10:30,325 00:10:33,110 where he was impaled through the groin with an arrow where he was impaled through the groin with an arrow
131 00:10:33,154 00:10:36,374 and had one of his other soldiers yank it out and had one of his other soldiers yank it out
132 00:10:36,418 00:10:38,463 and he just kept on fighting. and he just kept on fighting.
133 00:10:38,507 00:10:42,163 And Houston also was really a rugged frontiersman. And Houston also was really a rugged frontiersman.
134 00:10:44,948 00:10:49,257 Houston is now the leader of some 370 untrained men. Houston is now the leader of some 370 untrained men.
135 00:10:49,300 00:10:53,000 They comprise the Army of Texas They comprise the Army of Texas
136 00:10:53,043 00:10:57,047 and their fight for independence isn't over. and their fight for independence isn't over.
137 00:10:57,091 00:11:00,834 To increase his numbers in the face of a much larger enemy To increase his numbers in the face of a much larger enemy
138 00:11:00,877 00:11:05,882 Houston calls on Texans to avenge Crockett's death.. Houston calls on Texans to avenge Crockett's death..
139 00:11:05,926 00:11:08,842 ...and remember the Alamo. ...and remember the Alamo.
140 00:11:13,716 00:11:15,805 The way I see it.. The way I see it..
141 00:11:15,849 00:11:18,155 The defeat at the Alamo ended up The defeat at the Alamo ended up
142 00:11:18,199 00:11:21,942 creating a great rallying cry of patriotism creating a great rallying cry of patriotism
143 00:11:21,985 00:11:23,813 to fight for independence to fight for independence
144 00:11:23,857 00:11:26,903 and to fight to the death, to fight to the end. and to fight to the death, to fight to the end.
145 00:11:26,947 00:11:28,688 ...it is really important to.. ...it is really important to..
146 00:11:30,733 00:11:32,169 Hundreds of angry Texans Hundreds of angry Texans
147 00:11:32,213 00:11:35,216 are drawn to the cause of independence. are drawn to the cause of independence.
148 00:11:35,259 00:11:38,001 In just a month, Houston's army swells In just a month, Houston's army swells
149 00:11:38,045 00:11:39,568 to nearly a thousand. to nearly a thousand.
150 00:11:46,531 00:11:48,446 They're positioned near the San Jacinto River.. They're positioned near the San Jacinto River..
151 00:11:50,361 00:11:53,495 ...right in the path of General Santa Anna ...right in the path of General Santa Anna
152 00:11:53,538 00:11:56,585 and 1500 Mexican troops. and 1500 Mexican troops.
153 00:12:11,731 00:12:15,517 Just six weeks after Crockett's death at the Alamo Just six weeks after Crockett's death at the Alamo
154 00:12:15,560 00:12:18,825 Sam Houston takes his revenge.. Sam Houston takes his revenge..
155 00:12:18,868 00:12:21,653 ...unleashing 900 furious Texans ...unleashing 900 furious Texans
156 00:12:21,697 00:12:23,568 against a larger Mexican force. against a larger Mexican force.
157 00:12:26,615 00:12:30,271 Santa Anna is camped near the San Jacinto River Santa Anna is camped near the San Jacinto River
158 00:12:30,314 00:12:32,534 where the Texans surprise them. where the Texans surprise them.
159 00:12:44,154 00:12:45,634 Ultimately, the Battle of San Jacinto Ultimately, the Battle of San Jacinto
160 00:12:45,677 00:12:47,114 only lasted 18 minutes. only lasted 18 minutes.
161 00:12:47,157 00:12:49,638 It was a chaotic 18 minutes. It was a chaotic 18 minutes.
162 00:12:49,681 00:12:51,945 I don't think anyone expected the battle to go this way. I don't think anyone expected the battle to go this way.
163 00:13:04,740 00:13:08,483 Over 630 Mexican soldiers are killed. Over 630 Mexican soldiers are killed.
164 00:13:08,526 00:13:12,313 The Texans suffer just 11 casualties. The Texans suffer just 11 casualties.
165 00:13:12,356 00:13:15,490 The crushing defeat leads to Mexico's surrender. The crushing defeat leads to Mexico's surrender.
166 00:13:20,800 00:13:23,933 And Texas finally wins independence. And Texas finally wins independence.
167 00:13:33,813 00:13:36,598 Back in Washington, DC.. Back in Washington, DC..
168 00:13:36,641 00:13:38,730 ...Jackson welcomes the news. ...Jackson welcomes the news.
169 00:13:40,907 00:13:44,345 He's dreamed of Texas joining the US for years. He's dreamed of Texas joining the US for years.
170 00:13:44,388 00:13:48,566 But the future of Texas is caught in the growing debate But the future of Texas is caught in the growing debate
171 00:13:48,610 00:13:51,439 over slavery. over slavery.
172 00:13:51,482 00:13:54,485 Congress wasn't willing to go along with annexation Congress wasn't willing to go along with annexation
173 00:13:54,529 00:13:57,793 because Texas would enter the union with slavery. because Texas would enter the union with slavery.
174 00:13:57,837 00:14:00,665 And the addition of Texas And the addition of Texas
175 00:14:00,709 00:14:02,798 would tip the balance in the senate would tip the balance in the senate
176 00:14:02,842 00:14:05,583 in favor of the pro slavery side. in favor of the pro slavery side.
177 00:14:08,586 00:14:12,199 The result of this was that Texas remained in this limbo The result of this was that Texas remained in this limbo
178 00:14:12,242 00:14:13,678 for almost a decade. for almost a decade.
179 00:14:17,073 00:14:21,164 In 1837, Jackson's presidency ends In 1837, Jackson's presidency ends
180 00:14:21,208 00:14:24,733 with one goal unfulfilled. with one goal unfulfilled.
181 00:14:24,776 00:14:28,563 A nation stretching all the way to the Pacific. A nation stretching all the way to the Pacific.
182 00:14:28,606 00:14:30,826 Andrew Jackson remained politically involved Andrew Jackson remained politically involved
183 00:14:30,870 00:14:33,220 even after he retired. even after he retired.
184 00:14:33,263 00:14:35,787 He was writing constant letters to people He was writing constant letters to people
185 00:14:35,831 00:14:37,964 giving very strong opinions about subject giving very strong opinions about subject
186 00:14:38,007 00:14:40,140 after subject after subject. after subject after subject.
187 00:14:40,183 00:14:42,011 And he was a man who believed in the expansion And he was a man who believed in the expansion
188 00:14:42,055 00:14:43,752 of the United States. of the United States.
189 00:14:47,799 00:14:50,933 Expansion in the southwest may be stalled Expansion in the southwest may be stalled
190 00:14:50,977 00:14:53,022 but the United States still has a claim but the United States still has a claim
191 00:14:53,066 00:14:54,284 in the northwest. in the northwest.
192 00:14:56,286 00:15:00,029 Located between British Canada and Mexico's holdings Located between British Canada and Mexico's holdings
193 00:15:00,073 00:15:03,946 the Oregon Territory is 250,000 square miles the Oregon Territory is 250,000 square miles
194 00:15:03,990 00:15:06,253 of disputed land.. of disputed land..
195 00:15:06,296 00:15:10,518 ...claimed by Britain, Native Americans, and the US. ...claimed by Britain, Native Americans, and the US.
196 00:15:12,346 00:15:14,435 Lewis and Clark planted a flag here Lewis and Clark planted a flag here
197 00:15:14,478 00:15:16,567 four decades ago. four decades ago.
198 00:15:16,611 00:15:20,397 But to truly own it, the US needs settlers.. But to truly own it, the US needs settlers..
199 00:15:20,441 00:15:22,182 ...and that's a problem. ...and that's a problem.
200 00:15:26,621 00:15:29,754 Americans really didn't know how to make it to Oregon. Americans really didn't know how to make it to Oregon.
201 00:15:29,798 00:15:32,757 They were aware that there was very fertile farmland there They were aware that there was very fertile farmland there
202 00:15:32,801 00:15:35,543 but no one was exactly sure how to make it there. but no one was exactly sure how to make it there.
203 00:15:35,586 00:15:38,720 And the entire prospect of traveling all the way And the entire prospect of traveling all the way
204 00:15:38,763 00:15:41,679 across the nation was understandably daunting. across the nation was understandably daunting.
205 00:15:48,077 00:15:49,949 So, in 1842.. So, in 1842..
206 00:15:51,994 00:15:54,214 ...the United States Army sends a lieutenant ...the United States Army sends a lieutenant
207 00:15:54,257 00:15:56,520 from the topographical corps. from the topographical corps.
208 00:15:56,564 00:15:59,393 His name is John C. Fremont. His name is John C. Fremont.
209 00:16:01,047 00:16:03,092 His mission, map a route His mission, map a route
210 00:16:03,136 00:16:05,007 from Missouri to Oregon from Missouri to Oregon
211 00:16:05,051 00:16:07,270 that wagon trains of pioneers that wagon trains of pioneers
212 00:16:07,314 00:16:09,620 can safely travel. can safely travel.
213 00:16:09,664 00:16:12,493 John C. Fremont is actually an illegitimate son. John C. Fremont is actually an illegitimate son.
214 00:16:12,536 00:16:14,321 He's born in poverty. He's born in poverty.
215 00:16:14,364 00:16:15,931 He gets a mentor He gets a mentor
216 00:16:15,975 00:16:18,890 who actually goes on to become Secretary of War who actually goes on to become Secretary of War
217 00:16:18,934 00:16:20,805 who gets him a job surveying who gets him a job surveying
218 00:16:20,849 00:16:23,069 on the Upper Mississippi River. on the Upper Mississippi River.
219 00:16:27,073 00:16:29,553 Fremont was vainglorious Fremont was vainglorious
220 00:16:29,597 00:16:32,817 arrogant, extremely ambitious. arrogant, extremely ambitious.
221 00:16:32,861 00:16:35,037 Eh, he didn't just want to be an explorer Eh, he didn't just want to be an explorer
222 00:16:35,081 00:16:37,474 he wanted to be a senator, he wanted to be president. he wanted to be a senator, he wanted to be president.
223 00:16:43,002 00:16:45,265 But he's never been west of the Mississippi. But he's never been west of the Mississippi.
224 00:16:48,746 00:16:52,272 So he turns to the most skilled guide on the frontier.. So he turns to the most skilled guide on the frontier..
225 00:16:54,622 00:16:56,102 ...Kit Carson. ...Kit Carson.
226 00:16:59,192 00:17:03,196 Kit Carson came from very humble origins. Kit Carson came from very humble origins.
227 00:17:03,239 00:17:05,937 He had no formal education, he was illiterate He had no formal education, he was illiterate
228 00:17:05,981 00:17:07,809 yet he was incredibly knowledgeable yet he was incredibly knowledgeable
229 00:17:07,852 00:17:09,637 about the land of the west. about the land of the west.
230 00:17:09,680 00:17:12,074 He spoke multiple languages. He spoke multiple languages.
231 00:17:12,118 00:17:14,424 He had relationships with native tribes. He had relationships with native tribes.
232 00:17:14,468 00:17:16,513 He knew the topography. He knew the topography.
233 00:17:16,557 00:17:19,081 Uh, he knew how to fight, he knew how to hunt. Uh, he knew how to fight, he knew how to hunt.
234 00:17:19,125 00:17:22,563 So here is somebody who had an invaluable knowledge So here is somebody who had an invaluable knowledge
235 00:17:22,606 00:17:25,914 that allowed him to go between both worlds. that allowed him to go between both worlds.
236 00:17:33,487 00:17:37,665 Growing up, Carson was raised among frontier legends Growing up, Carson was raised among frontier legends
237 00:17:37,708 00:17:41,756 and mastered wilderness skills at an early age. and mastered wilderness skills at an early age.
238 00:17:44,411 00:17:46,108 Carson was born in Kentucky Carson was born in Kentucky
239 00:17:46,152 00:17:49,068 and he moved to Missouri as a child. and he moved to Missouri as a child.
240 00:17:49,111 00:17:51,548 His family became close friends with the Boones. His family became close friends with the Boones.
241 00:17:51,592 00:17:54,421 They lived in a place called Boone's Lick. They lived in a place called Boone's Lick.
242 00:17:54,464 00:17:57,250 The Carson family, of course, was-was quite well aware The Carson family, of course, was-was quite well aware
243 00:17:57,293 00:18:00,949 of Daniel Boone and his legend, and there was this desire of Daniel Boone and his legend, and there was this desire
244 00:18:00,992 00:18:04,126 to keep that westward movement going, uh, to keep finding to keep that westward movement going, uh, to keep finding
245 00:18:04,170 00:18:06,172 the frontier, to keep breaking ground. the frontier, to keep breaking ground.
246 00:18:06,215 00:18:08,609 They were literally carving a civilization They were literally carving a civilization
247 00:18:08,652 00:18:10,306 out of the wilderness there. out of the wilderness there.
248 00:18:15,616 00:18:19,185 By age 16, he left home for good. By age 16, he left home for good.
249 00:18:19,228 00:18:21,230 Hungry for adventure. Hungry for adventure.
250 00:18:25,626 00:18:29,195 Now, with Fremont, he'll embark on a mission Now, with Fremont, he'll embark on a mission
251 00:18:29,238 00:18:31,762 that will test all of his skills. that will test all of his skills.
252 00:18:36,289 00:18:39,335 Fremont and Carson were a bit of an odd couple. Fremont and Carson were a bit of an odd couple.
253 00:18:39,379 00:18:41,729 They were completely opposite. They were completely opposite.
254 00:18:41,772 00:18:43,992 Uh, today, we might say Fremont was a bit of a nerd Uh, today, we might say Fremont was a bit of a nerd
255 00:18:44,035 00:18:45,602 and Carson was the cool kid. and Carson was the cool kid.
256 00:18:45,646 00:18:47,387 Carson was rugged Carson was rugged
257 00:18:47,430 00:18:49,519 and had experience in the frontier. and had experience in the frontier.
258 00:18:49,563 00:18:51,521 He didn't seek fame or fortune. He didn't seek fame or fortune.
259 00:18:51,565 00:18:52,827 He didn't look for the spotlight. He didn't look for the spotlight.
260 00:18:52,870 00:18:55,134 And so, these two in many ways And so, these two in many ways
261 00:18:55,177 00:18:57,919 couldn't have been more different, but at the same time couldn't have been more different, but at the same time
262 00:18:57,962 00:19:00,182 complemented each other very well. complemented each other very well.
263 00:19:04,491 00:19:06,449 Over the course of five months Over the course of five months
264 00:19:06,493 00:19:09,670 Fremont and Carson lead some three dozen men Fremont and Carson lead some three dozen men
265 00:19:09,713 00:19:13,891 more than 2000 miles, through treacherous terrain more than 2000 miles, through treacherous terrain
266 00:19:13,935 00:19:17,939 known for extreme changes in temperature and altitude. known for extreme changes in temperature and altitude.
267 00:19:23,249 00:19:25,990 This expedition was very, very dangerous. This expedition was very, very dangerous.
268 00:19:26,034 00:19:27,688 They were going to parts of the world They were going to parts of the world
269 00:19:27,731 00:19:30,560 that had never been explored before. that had never been explored before.
270 00:19:30,604 00:19:31,996 They were a small party. They were a small party.
271 00:19:32,040 00:19:34,477 Um, they were relatively well-armed Um, they were relatively well-armed
272 00:19:34,521 00:19:37,654 but, um, they could always be ambushed. but, um, they could always be ambushed.
273 00:19:37,698 00:19:39,700 And certainly Fremont understood that And certainly Fremont understood that
274 00:19:39,743 00:19:44,052 and, and was very, very glad to have a guide like Carson. and, and was very, very glad to have a guide like Carson.
275 00:20:08,294 00:20:11,035 On October 24th, 1843.. On October 24th, 1843..
276 00:20:17,433 00:20:19,696 ...Fremont and Carson finally reach ...Fremont and Carson finally reach
277 00:20:19,740 00:20:22,308 the Oregon Territory. the Oregon Territory.
278 00:20:27,443 00:20:28,444 We made it! We made it!
279 00:20:30,229 00:20:31,708 The path they chart The path they chart
280 00:20:31,752 00:20:33,667 becomes famous.. becomes famous..
281 00:20:33,710 00:20:35,364 ...the Oregon Trail. ...the Oregon Trail.
282 00:20:38,367 00:20:41,675 It paves the way for 400,000 settlers It paves the way for 400,000 settlers
283 00:20:41,718 00:20:44,504 to move west in the decades to come.. to move west in the decades to come..
284 00:20:48,508 00:20:50,684 ...opening a new frontier ...opening a new frontier
285 00:20:50,727 00:20:53,730 and strengthening the United States' claim and strengthening the United States' claim
286 00:20:53,774 00:20:55,689 to the northwest. to the northwest.
287 00:21:06,221 00:21:09,485 One year after Carson and Fremont reach Oregon.. One year after Carson and Fremont reach Oregon..
288 00:21:12,009 00:21:16,927 ...the 1844 campaign for the presidency is underway. ...the 1844 campaign for the presidency is underway.
289 00:21:16,971 00:21:20,061 In my opinion, our national security In my opinion, our national security
290 00:21:20,104 00:21:23,412 requires the annexation of Texas. requires the annexation of Texas.
291 00:21:23,456 00:21:25,109 'And should not stop' 'And should not stop'
292 00:21:25,153 00:21:28,156 until our domain extends from ocean to ocean. until our domain extends from ocean to ocean.
293 00:21:31,028 00:21:33,901 Dark horse candidate, James K. Polk Dark horse candidate, James K. Polk
294 00:21:33,944 00:21:36,904 believes in one thing above all.. believes in one thing above all..
295 00:21:36,947 00:21:39,210 ...expanding America's borders. ...expanding America's borders.
296 00:21:41,430 00:21:44,128 It's a vision he shares with his mentor It's a vision he shares with his mentor
297 00:21:44,172 00:21:45,652 Andrew Jackson. Andrew Jackson.
298 00:21:47,567 00:21:49,569 We're vulnerable here and here. We're vulnerable here and here.
299 00:21:49,612 00:21:51,571 And we're going to continue to be vulnerable And we're going to continue to be vulnerable
300 00:21:51,614 00:21:54,574 unless we secure our borders to the south and to the west. unless we secure our borders to the south and to the west.
301 00:21:54,617 00:21:56,924 I couldn't agree more. I couldn't agree more.
302 00:21:56,967 00:21:58,360 Andrew Jackson was known as Old Hickory Andrew Jackson was known as Old Hickory
303 00:21:58,404 00:21:59,840 because he was so tough. because he was so tough.
304 00:21:59,883 00:22:01,450 James K. Polk was known as Young Hickory James K. Polk was known as Young Hickory
305 00:22:01,494 00:22:03,365 the idea being that he was a sapling the idea being that he was a sapling
306 00:22:03,409 00:22:06,020 in Andrew Jackson's model. in Andrew Jackson's model.
307 00:22:06,063 00:22:07,804 The last two presidents have done nothing. The last two presidents have done nothing.
308 00:22:07,848 00:22:09,719 They're useless. They're, they're afraid to act. They're useless. They're, they're afraid to act.
309 00:22:09,763 00:22:11,068 We have to take Texas. We have to take Texas.
310 00:22:11,112 00:22:14,115 That has to be our first priority. That has to be our first priority.
311 00:22:14,158 00:22:17,118 Polk was a younger generation of politician. Polk was a younger generation of politician.
312 00:22:17,161 00:22:20,904 As the 1844 election approached As the 1844 election approached
313 00:22:20,948 00:22:23,516 Jackson made clear that if you were a supporter Jackson made clear that if you were a supporter
314 00:22:23,559 00:22:26,736 of Andrew Jackson, you would go with James Polk. of Andrew Jackson, you would go with James Polk.
315 00:22:32,263 00:22:34,309 Polk is able to capitalize Polk is able to capitalize
316 00:22:34,353 00:22:37,486 on the legacy of Andrew Jackson. on the legacy of Andrew Jackson.
317 00:22:37,530 00:22:40,054 This idea that Americans have a right This idea that Americans have a right
318 00:22:40,097 00:22:42,186 in fact, a duty, a responsibility in fact, a duty, a responsibility
319 00:22:42,230 00:22:44,319 to continue to expand westward. to continue to expand westward.
320 00:22:44,363 00:22:47,322 That ultimately, it's this God-given dictate That ultimately, it's this God-given dictate
321 00:22:47,366 00:22:49,280 that they must fulfill. that they must fulfill.
322 00:22:49,324 00:22:52,762 And Polk is able to turn that into a political agenda And Polk is able to turn that into a political agenda
323 00:22:52,806 00:22:55,069 that serves his own political designs. that serves his own political designs.
324 00:23:10,519 00:23:13,348 Polk rides a wave of popular support Polk rides a wave of popular support
325 00:23:13,392 00:23:14,305 to the White House.. to the White House..
326 00:23:15,568 00:23:17,396 ...then immediately delivers ...then immediately delivers
327 00:23:17,439 00:23:19,093 on his campaign promise. on his campaign promise.
328 00:23:20,573 00:23:22,575 By his first days in office By his first days in office
329 00:23:22,618 00:23:27,362 Texas is on its way to becoming the 28th state.. Texas is on its way to becoming the 28th state..
330 00:23:27,406 00:23:30,713 ...adding another 300,000 square miles ...adding another 300,000 square miles
331 00:23:30,757 00:23:33,237 to the nation. to the nation.
332 00:23:33,281 00:23:36,806 So, Polk does what I wish more presidential candidates would do So, Polk does what I wish more presidential candidates would do
333 00:23:36,850 00:23:38,591 says he's gonna do this, this, and this says he's gonna do this, this, and this
334 00:23:38,634 00:23:40,288 and he's only gonna serve one term and he's only gonna serve one term
335 00:23:40,331 00:23:42,464 so that he can, uh, step on a lot of toes so that he can, uh, step on a lot of toes
336 00:23:42,508 00:23:44,205 and deny the special interests and deny the special interests
337 00:23:44,248 00:23:47,164 and just pursue what he's elected to do. and just pursue what he's elected to do.
338 00:23:50,907 00:23:52,343 The move fulfills The move fulfills
339 00:23:52,387 00:23:54,868 Andrew Jackson's long-held dream Andrew Jackson's long-held dream
340 00:23:54,911 00:23:57,827 to make Texas a state. to make Texas a state.
341 00:24:01,483 00:24:03,833 But he doesn't live to see it come true. But he doesn't live to see it come true.
342 00:24:10,361 00:24:13,843 Jackson's legacy was firmly establishing the principal Jackson's legacy was firmly establishing the principal
343 00:24:13,887 00:24:16,498 that the ordinary people of America that the ordinary people of America
344 00:24:16,542 00:24:19,153 wielded political power. wielded political power.
345 00:24:19,196 00:24:23,070 He was a self-made individual. He didn't have an inheritance. He was a self-made individual. He didn't have an inheritance.
346 00:24:23,113 00:24:26,203 He didn't have name recognition handed to him. He didn't have name recognition handed to him.
347 00:24:26,247 00:24:28,902 Today, people don't like Jackson Today, people don't like Jackson
348 00:24:28,945 00:24:32,514 largely because Jackson's hard Indian policy largely because Jackson's hard Indian policy
349 00:24:32,558 00:24:35,169 offend modern sensibilities. offend modern sensibilities.
350 00:24:40,217 00:24:42,785 But what's forgotten about Jackson But what's forgotten about Jackson
351 00:24:42,829 00:24:45,962 is his enormous positive contributions. is his enormous positive contributions.
352 00:24:46,006 00:24:48,051 To hold the United States together To hold the United States together
353 00:24:48,095 00:24:49,879 in the face of challenges.. in the face of challenges..
354 00:24:49,923 00:24:52,316 Fire! Fire!
355 00:24:52,360 00:24:54,101 ...and to defend the United States ...and to defend the United States
356 00:24:54,144 00:24:56,407 against foreign attack. against foreign attack.
357 00:24:56,451 00:24:59,976 Jackson recognized that the American experiment Jackson recognized that the American experiment
358 00:25:00,020 00:25:02,762 in self-government was an ongoing experiment in self-government was an ongoing experiment
359 00:25:02,805 00:25:05,634 and its success was not guaranteed. and its success was not guaranteed.
360 00:25:05,678 00:25:07,767 He was the one who really imprinted that He was the one who really imprinted that
361 00:25:07,810 00:25:10,247 on the American psyche. on the American psyche.
362 00:25:12,815 00:25:14,948 Jackson was emblematic of the contradictions Jackson was emblematic of the contradictions
363 00:25:14,991 00:25:17,080 of the American frontiersmen. of the American frontiersmen.
364 00:25:17,124 00:25:20,997 It was all jumbled together in this one huge figure It was all jumbled together in this one huge figure
365 00:25:21,041 00:25:23,522 the impressive, and the not so impressive the impressive, and the not so impressive
366 00:25:23,565 00:25:25,393 and the good, and the appalling. and the good, and the appalling.
367 00:25:33,662 00:25:37,536 President Polk intends to build on Jackson's legacy.. President Polk intends to build on Jackson's legacy..
368 00:25:37,579 00:25:40,103 Seizing the final open pieces of land Seizing the final open pieces of land
369 00:25:40,147 00:25:42,845 in North America. in North America.
370 00:25:42,889 00:25:45,500 Polk isn't content to just look at Texas. Polk isn't content to just look at Texas.
371 00:25:45,544 00:25:47,154 Of course, he wants Texas Of course, he wants Texas
372 00:25:47,197 00:25:49,548 but he's going to look broader beyond that. but he's going to look broader beyond that.
373 00:25:49,591 00:25:51,593 Polk wants the entire continent. Polk wants the entire continent.
374 00:25:54,683 00:25:56,598 There's just one concern. There's just one concern.
375 00:25:56,642 00:25:59,514 Mexico controls most of it Mexico controls most of it
376 00:25:59,558 00:26:02,778 including the biggest prize, California. including the biggest prize, California.
377 00:26:04,954 00:26:07,914 This is what I want and it should not be hard to take. This is what I want and it should not be hard to take.
378 00:26:12,222 00:26:14,747 Overflowing with natural resources Overflowing with natural resources
379 00:26:14,790 00:26:19,316 California also has over 3000 miles of coastline California also has over 3000 miles of coastline
380 00:26:19,360 00:26:23,277 offering unparalleled access to Pacific trade offering unparalleled access to Pacific trade
381 00:26:23,320 00:26:26,497 something every president since Jefferson has coveted. something every president since Jefferson has coveted.
382 00:26:29,239 00:26:32,025 California is a very desirable place in the world. California is a very desirable place in the world.
383 00:26:32,068 00:26:34,984 Very, uh, beautiful and, and very fertile. Very, uh, beautiful and, and very fertile.
384 00:26:35,028 00:26:37,639 The Mexicans, of course, have their claim to it The Mexicans, of course, have their claim to it
385 00:26:37,683 00:26:40,555 the British are quite interested in settling its the British are quite interested in settling its
386 00:26:40,599 00:26:43,079 uh, and expanding, uh uh, and expanding, uh
387 00:26:43,123 00:26:45,952 the northwestern territories for themselves. the northwestern territories for themselves.
388 00:26:47,823 00:26:51,827 Americans knew all about the glory of California Americans knew all about the glory of California
389 00:26:51,871 00:26:55,657 the immense wealth of California. the immense wealth of California.
390 00:26:55,701 00:27:00,140 There was a very important trade already going on in hides There was a very important trade already going on in hides
391 00:27:00,183 00:27:02,664 animal hides, and above all animal hides, and above all
392 00:27:02,708 00:27:05,841 Americans were interested in the main ports. Americans were interested in the main ports.
393 00:27:09,584 00:27:11,107 Thank you, gentlemen. Thank you, gentlemen.
394 00:27:11,151 00:27:13,153 That will be all. That will be all.
395 00:27:17,548 00:27:21,117 Polk is determined to take California.. Polk is determined to take California..
396 00:27:21,161 00:27:24,207 ...but with congress unwilling to start a new war ...but with congress unwilling to start a new war
397 00:27:24,251 00:27:27,602 he devises a secret plan. he devises a secret plan.
398 00:27:27,646 00:27:30,649 Using the Texas rebellion as a model Using the Texas rebellion as a model
399 00:27:30,692 00:27:33,826 he'll try to incite an uprising he'll try to incite an uprising
400 00:27:33,869 00:27:36,655 and the man he chooses to lead his mission and the man he chooses to lead his mission
401 00:27:36,698 00:27:39,832 is the most famous explorer in America. is the most famous explorer in America.
402 00:27:43,444 00:27:45,228 Mr. Fremont. Mr. Fremont.
403 00:27:47,753 00:27:50,146 I read your reports. I read your reports.
404 00:27:50,190 00:27:52,061 And I found them very interesting. And I found them very interesting.
405 00:27:52,105 00:27:55,195 Thank you, Mr. President, I'm honored. Thank you, Mr. President, I'm honored.
406 00:27:55,238 00:27:57,066 But I, uh, I don't imagine But I, uh, I don't imagine
407 00:27:57,110 00:27:58,415 you took time out of your schedule you took time out of your schedule
408 00:27:58,459 00:28:00,635 just to tell me that. just to tell me that.
409 00:28:00,679 00:28:03,116 No, no, I didn't invite you here No, no, I didn't invite you here
410 00:28:03,159 00:28:06,119 to talk about your past expeditions to talk about your past expeditions
411 00:28:06,162 00:28:08,469 but rather a future one. but rather a future one.
412 00:28:08,512 00:28:10,079 Another trail to Oregon? Another trail to Oregon?
413 00:28:11,472 00:28:12,778 Not exactly. Not exactly.
414 00:28:14,649 00:28:17,217 Officially, your mission will be to map out Officially, your mission will be to map out
415 00:28:17,260 00:28:19,306 a new territory, and to discover a new territory, and to discover
416 00:28:19,349 00:28:21,656 the source of the Arkansas River. the source of the Arkansas River.
417 00:28:24,137 00:28:27,357 Unofficially, when you get to the Rocky Mountains Unofficially, when you get to the Rocky Mountains
418 00:28:27,401 00:28:29,751 I want you to ride south.. I want you to ride south..
419 00:28:29,795 00:28:31,274 ...into California. ...into California.
420 00:28:32,754 00:28:34,625 Once in California Once in California
421 00:28:34,669 00:28:36,845 I want you to talk to the local settlers. I want you to talk to the local settlers.
422 00:28:38,281 00:28:40,457 And if you can.. And if you can..
423 00:28:40,501 00:28:42,242 ...incite rebellion. ...incite rebellion.
424 00:28:44,070 00:28:46,246 And you're sending me because you don't want it And you're sending me because you don't want it
425 00:28:46,289 00:28:49,205 to appear to be a military operation. to appear to be a military operation.
426 00:28:49,249 00:28:50,772 Exactly. Exactly.
427 00:28:50,816 00:28:52,556 I just need one thing from you. I just need one thing from you.
428 00:28:52,600 00:28:54,080 And that would be? And that would be?
429 00:28:55,995 00:28:57,474 Kit Carson. Kit Carson.
430 00:29:12,838 00:29:16,232 President Polk was purposefully President Polk was purposefully
431 00:29:16,276 00:29:20,715 placing an explorer in a capacity to take advantage placing an explorer in a capacity to take advantage
432 00:29:20,759 00:29:23,544 of any sort of instability in California. of any sort of instability in California.
433 00:29:23,587 00:29:25,851 The idea that he's simply there The idea that he's simply there
434 00:29:25,894 00:29:29,245 in official capacity as an explorer and a map maker. in official capacity as an explorer and a map maker.
435 00:29:29,289 00:29:32,901 Polk needed to provide plausible deniability. Polk needed to provide plausible deniability.
436 00:29:32,945 00:29:35,425 With around 60 heavily armed men With around 60 heavily armed men
437 00:29:35,469 00:29:38,254 Fremont moves towards California. Fremont moves towards California.
438 00:29:38,298 00:29:41,344 Tasked with inciting a rebellion Tasked with inciting a rebellion
439 00:29:41,388 00:29:43,216 without starting a war. without starting a war.
440 00:30:08,850 00:30:14,900 John Fremont and Kit Carson are on their way to California John Fremont and Kit Carson are on their way to California
441 00:30:14,943 00:30:17,554 part of President Polk's covert scheme part of President Polk's covert scheme
442 00:30:17,598 00:30:21,602 to extend US borders all the way to the coast. to extend US borders all the way to the coast.
443 00:30:25,388 00:30:28,087 Polk was an outspoken expansionist. Polk was an outspoken expansionist.
444 00:30:28,130 00:30:31,612 He wanted Texas, he wanted California, he wanted Oregon. He wanted Texas, he wanted California, he wanted Oregon.
445 00:30:31,655 00:30:33,919 He was going to push out the American frontier He was going to push out the American frontier
446 00:30:33,962 00:30:36,008 all the way to the Pacific. all the way to the Pacific.
447 00:30:39,663 00:30:42,144 Disguised as a surveying mission Disguised as a surveying mission
448 00:30:42,188 00:30:46,235 their real goal is to find American settlers.. their real goal is to find American settlers..
449 00:30:46,279 00:30:49,412 ...and incite them into rebelling against Mexico. ...and incite them into rebelling against Mexico.
450 00:31:02,730 00:31:06,690 By winter, Fremont and Carson arrive at Sutter's Fort By winter, Fremont and Carson arrive at Sutter's Fort
451 00:31:06,734 00:31:09,258 in modern-day Sacramento in modern-day Sacramento
452 00:31:09,302 00:31:12,305 the first American settlement in California. the first American settlement in California.
453 00:31:17,832 00:31:19,181 In California of 1845 In California of 1845
454 00:31:19,225 00:31:21,618 there were about eight to ten thousand people there were about eight to ten thousand people
455 00:31:21,662 00:31:24,012 living in California, mostly Mexican Californios living in California, mostly Mexican Californios
456 00:31:24,056 00:31:27,276 and about a thousand or so Americans and about a thousand or so Americans
457 00:31:27,320 00:31:28,887 couple hundred foreigners couple hundred foreigners
458 00:31:28,930 00:31:30,714 German, British, Swiss. German, British, Swiss.
459 00:31:30,758 00:31:32,064 And the Mexicans had welcomed them And the Mexicans had welcomed them
460 00:31:32,107 00:31:35,197 because California was a far-flung province because California was a far-flung province
461 00:31:35,241 00:31:37,678 and underpopulated. and underpopulated.
462 00:31:37,721 00:31:40,333 The American settlers who pushed west The American settlers who pushed west
463 00:31:40,376 00:31:43,945 were looking for land but in Northern California were looking for land but in Northern California
464 00:31:43,989 00:31:45,904 it's, it's really kind of a, a rabble. it's, it's really kind of a, a rabble.
465 00:31:47,993 00:31:50,343 A lot of these guys are drunks. A lot of these guys are drunks.
466 00:31:50,386 00:31:52,214 Unsavory characters. Unsavory characters.
467 00:31:56,958 00:31:59,091 You look empty there, friend, can I buy you a drink? You look empty there, friend, can I buy you a drink?
468 00:32:05,924 00:32:08,535 - Can I ask why you came? - Good land. - Can I ask why you came? - Good land.
469 00:32:10,711 00:32:13,366 You don't really own that land, do you? You don't really own that land, do you?
470 00:32:13,409 00:32:14,715 Mexican government does. Mexican government does.
471 00:32:18,240 00:32:22,636 Mexico allows Americans to settle and work the land Mexico allows Americans to settle and work the land
472 00:32:22,679 00:32:25,334 but not to legally own it.. but not to legally own it..
473 00:32:25,378 00:32:28,294 ...infuriating settlers ...infuriating settlers
474 00:32:28,337 00:32:31,253 and playing right into Fremont's hands. and playing right into Fremont's hands.
475 00:32:34,474 00:32:38,608 Mexico's hold over California is quite tenuous. Mexico's hold over California is quite tenuous.
476 00:32:38,652 00:32:40,654 And, lo and behold, there is John C. Fremont And, lo and behold, there is John C. Fremont
477 00:32:40,697 00:32:42,177 in the middle of all this. in the middle of all this.
478 00:32:42,221 00:32:45,441 This explorer who has these secret orders This explorer who has these secret orders
479 00:32:45,485 00:32:48,183 from Washington, who's very well connected from Washington, who's very well connected
480 00:32:48,227 00:32:50,533 uh, who's part of the army. uh, who's part of the army.
481 00:32:52,709 00:32:54,015 'Now did you know there's a Mexican fellow' 'Now did you know there's a Mexican fellow'
482 00:32:54,059 00:32:57,062 in charge of California? Did you? in charge of California? Did you?
483 00:32:57,105 00:32:58,280 That's because he doesn't come around. That's because he doesn't come around.
484 00:33:00,674 00:33:03,546 When Fremont showed up in California in 1845 When Fremont showed up in California in 1845
485 00:33:03,590 00:33:05,896 he found a populous that was deeply disenchanted he found a populous that was deeply disenchanted
486 00:33:05,940 00:33:07,246 with Mexican rule. with Mexican rule.
487 00:33:10,379 00:33:13,165 It doesn't matter if you bought the land, if you own the land It doesn't matter if you bought the land, if you own the land
488 00:33:13,208 00:33:15,471 if you work the land, it doesn't even matter if you work the land, it doesn't even matter
489 00:33:15,515 00:33:17,778 if you have become a Mexican citizen if you have become a Mexican citizen
490 00:33:17,821 00:33:19,693 all for the love of your land all for the love of your land
491 00:33:19,736 00:33:22,609 the Mexican government will take it away the Mexican government will take it away
492 00:33:22,652 00:33:24,698 whenever they find that convenient. whenever they find that convenient.
493 00:33:27,353 00:33:29,659 Fremont was very skilled. Fremont was very skilled.
494 00:33:29,703 00:33:31,966 He was outgoing He was outgoing
495 00:33:32,010 00:33:36,492 and so he attracted a lot of people to him. and so he attracted a lot of people to him.
496 00:33:36,536 00:33:42,324 Who by right owns this land? Who by right owns it? Who by right owns this land? Who by right owns it?
497 00:33:42,368 00:33:45,240 Fremont convinced Californian residents Fremont convinced Californian residents
498 00:33:45,284 00:33:46,894 there was fighting to do. there was fighting to do.
499 00:33:46,937 00:33:49,462 - 'Yeah.' - California, gentlemen. - 'Yeah.' - California, gentlemen.
500 00:33:49,505 00:33:50,463 'California.' 'California.'
501 00:33:58,079 00:34:00,647 In Washington, Polk impatiently awaits In Washington, Polk impatiently awaits
502 00:34:00,690 00:34:03,519 news from Fremont.. news from Fremont..
503 00:34:03,563 00:34:05,260 ...hoping California settlers ...hoping California settlers
504 00:34:05,304 00:34:07,262 will rise up on their own. will rise up on their own.
505 00:34:09,395 00:34:12,093 He knows congress won't approve a war with Mexico.. He knows congress won't approve a war with Mexico..
506 00:34:13,573 00:34:15,444 ...unless the US is attacked. ...unless the US is attacked.
507 00:34:20,449 00:34:22,103 Tired of waiting Tired of waiting
508 00:34:22,147 00:34:24,845 Polk sends the army to a disputed border Polk sends the army to a disputed border
509 00:34:24,888 00:34:27,065 between Texas and Mexico. between Texas and Mexico.
510 00:34:27,108 00:34:30,329 Certain he can provoke Mexico to strike first. Certain he can provoke Mexico to strike first.
511 00:34:31,895 00:34:33,854 How many men in the fifth regiment? How many men in the fifth regiment?
512 00:34:33,897 00:34:35,725 Polk was waiting for Mexico Polk was waiting for Mexico
513 00:34:35,769 00:34:38,946 to rise to the bait and attack American forces. to rise to the bait and attack American forces.
514 00:34:38,989 00:34:41,688 He believed that any war fought He believed that any war fought
515 00:34:41,731 00:34:44,343 was going to result in more territory for the United States. was going to result in more territory for the United States.
516 00:34:47,302 00:34:50,653 On April 25th, 1846 On April 25th, 1846
517 00:34:50,697 00:34:53,395 convinced American troops are invading convinced American troops are invading
518 00:34:53,439 00:34:56,572 Mexico assaults a US patrol.. Mexico assaults a US patrol..
519 00:34:56,616 00:34:57,965 ...killing 11.. ...killing 11..
520 00:34:59,967 00:35:02,491 ...giving Polk exactly the provocation he needs. ...giving Polk exactly the provocation he needs.
521 00:35:05,059 00:35:07,540 Polk went to congress and he said Polk went to congress and he said
522 00:35:07,583 00:35:10,760 "American blood has been shed on American soil "American blood has been shed on American soil
523 00:35:10,804 00:35:14,286 "and despite our best efforts to prevent war with Mexico "and despite our best efforts to prevent war with Mexico
524 00:35:14,329 00:35:15,765 they have attacked us." they have attacked us."
525 00:35:15,809 00:35:17,811 Now, this was a lie. Now, this was a lie.
526 00:35:17,854 00:35:22,555 In fact, the land in question was not American land. In fact, the land in question was not American land.
527 00:35:25,210 00:35:27,168 I won't say that this is the only instance I won't say that this is the only instance
528 00:35:27,212 00:35:30,432 in American history in which, let's say, we fudge some things in American history in which, let's say, we fudge some things
529 00:35:30,476 00:35:32,347 in order to get something we wanted in order to get something we wanted
530 00:35:32,391 00:35:34,697 through an act of aggression through an act of aggression
531 00:35:34,741 00:35:36,873 but this is certainly a great example. but this is certainly a great example.
532 00:35:39,485 00:35:41,400 Mere weeks after the attack.. Mere weeks after the attack..
533 00:35:44,881 00:35:47,754 ...the US declares war on Mexico. ...the US declares war on Mexico.
534 00:35:53,586 00:35:55,805 In California In California
535 00:35:55,849 00:35:58,591 Fremont receives a message from Polk. Fremont receives a message from Polk.
536 00:36:00,549 00:36:02,986 His mission is no longer secret. His mission is no longer secret.
537 00:36:04,771 00:36:06,164 It's time to attack. It's time to attack.
538 00:36:10,559 00:36:13,780 Fremont equips a rag tag army with rifles.. Fremont equips a rag tag army with rifles..
539 00:36:15,912 00:36:18,524 ...then marches toward present-day Sonoma. ...then marches toward present-day Sonoma.
540 00:36:20,395 00:36:24,225 His goal, win California for Polk.. His goal, win California for Polk..
541 00:36:24,269 00:36:25,835 ...at any cost. ...at any cost.
542 00:36:37,586 00:36:40,415 Following orders from President Polk Following orders from President Polk
543 00:36:40,459 00:36:43,984 John Fremont leads a militia of 100 men, south. John Fremont leads a militia of 100 men, south.
544 00:36:45,812 00:36:50,208 His mission, seize California for the US. His mission, seize California for the US.
545 00:36:54,081 00:36:56,736 He plans first to attack Sonoma He plans first to attack Sonoma
546 00:36:56,779 00:37:00,609 the largest settlement in Northern California. the largest settlement in Northern California.
547 00:37:00,653 00:37:02,829 Then, he hopes to continue south Then, he hopes to continue south
548 00:37:02,872 00:37:06,049 to Monterey, Los Angeles to Monterey, Los Angeles
549 00:37:06,093 00:37:08,313 and finally, San Diego. and finally, San Diego.
550 00:37:11,925 00:37:14,710 Let's go! Let's go!
551 00:37:14,754 00:37:18,105 The Americans are relatively few in number The Americans are relatively few in number
552 00:37:18,148 00:37:20,716 but because of John C. Fremont but because of John C. Fremont
553 00:37:20,760 00:37:23,110 they are going to make their presence known they are going to make their presence known
554 00:37:23,153 00:37:27,070 much more loudly than their numbers would indicate. much more loudly than their numbers would indicate.
555 00:37:37,167 00:37:39,953 Relying on grit and determination Relying on grit and determination
556 00:37:39,996 00:37:44,610 Fremont and Kit Carson begin their improbable conquest. Fremont and Kit Carson begin their improbable conquest.
557 00:37:47,482 00:37:49,136 If there's one thing that marks John C. Fremont If there's one thing that marks John C. Fremont
558 00:37:49,179 00:37:50,529 it's his ambition. it's his ambition.
559 00:37:50,572 00:37:53,053 He was, he was driven to succeed. He was, he was driven to succeed.
560 00:37:53,096 00:37:54,924 He was driven to be independent He was driven to be independent
561 00:37:54,968 00:37:58,624 and I think the frontier for John C. Fremont and I think the frontier for John C. Fremont
562 00:37:58,667 00:38:02,323 represented the route to secure his ambition. represented the route to secure his ambition.
563 00:38:02,367 00:38:05,457 Notoriety, fame, wealth. Notoriety, fame, wealth.
564 00:38:05,500 00:38:07,720 That's what California offered. That's what California offered.
565 00:38:11,419 00:38:15,075 As word of Fremont's revolt begins to spread As word of Fremont's revolt begins to spread
566 00:38:15,118 00:38:17,425 other settlers join the fight. other settlers join the fight.
567 00:38:19,122 00:38:22,212 They call themselves Los Osos They call themselves Los Osos
568 00:38:22,256 00:38:24,345 Spanish for "The Bears." Spanish for "The Bears."
569 00:38:28,044 00:38:32,179 On June 14th, 1846.. On June 14th, 1846..
570 00:38:32,222 00:38:36,052 ...Fremont's fighters reach Sonoma. ...Fremont's fighters reach Sonoma.
571 00:38:36,096 00:38:39,273 But are surprised to find the Mexican outpost But are surprised to find the Mexican outpost
572 00:38:39,317 00:38:41,188 virtually undefended. virtually undefended.
573 00:38:49,283 00:38:51,938 They capture it, in what becomes known They capture it, in what becomes known
574 00:38:51,981 00:38:54,027 as The Bear Flag Revolt. as The Bear Flag Revolt.
575 00:38:57,378 00:39:01,295 To mark their victory, they raise a makeshift flag To mark their victory, they raise a makeshift flag
576 00:39:01,339 00:39:02,949 made from a cotton sheet made from a cotton sheet
577 00:39:02,992 00:39:05,168 and decorated with a red grizzly bear. and decorated with a red grizzly bear.
578 00:39:07,345 00:39:09,434 The design will later inspire The design will later inspire
579 00:39:09,477 00:39:11,871 the state flag of California. the state flag of California.
580 00:39:15,744 00:39:17,311 Alright, let's go! Alright, let's go!
581 00:39:20,488 00:39:24,274 This revolt that begins to emerge This revolt that begins to emerge
582 00:39:24,318 00:39:27,669 it was enough of a movement, um, to take hold it was enough of a movement, um, to take hold
583 00:39:27,713 00:39:29,279 at least in Northern California at least in Northern California
584 00:39:29,323 00:39:30,977 and to start this process and to start this process
585 00:39:31,020 00:39:33,545 of the American conquest of California. of the American conquest of California.
586 00:39:39,420 00:39:42,771 In just two months with few casualties In just two months with few casualties
587 00:39:42,815 00:39:46,688 Fremont and Carson conquer most of California's coast. Fremont and Carson conquer most of California's coast.
588 00:39:49,299 00:39:52,433 Under the direction of Fremont, this rabble of guys Under the direction of Fremont, this rabble of guys
589 00:39:52,477 00:39:54,653 have accomplished this great feat. have accomplished this great feat.
590 00:39:54,696 00:39:58,526 Never before in history had so much terrain been won Never before in history had so much terrain been won
591 00:39:58,570 00:40:01,224 with so little conflict, with so little bloodshed with so little conflict, with so little bloodshed
592 00:40:01,268 00:40:04,010 and won by such a small party of individuals. and won by such a small party of individuals.
593 00:40:12,148 00:40:15,674 Polk's plan to win California seems to be working Polk's plan to win California seems to be working
594 00:40:15,717 00:40:18,677 but without communication, he has no idea but without communication, he has no idea
595 00:40:18,720 00:40:21,636 if Fremont and Carson are even alive. if Fremont and Carson are even alive.
596 00:40:25,510 00:40:28,730 To hedge his bets, he dispatches a cavalry force To hedge his bets, he dispatches a cavalry force
597 00:40:28,774 00:40:31,037 from Texas.. from Texas..
598 00:40:31,080 00:40:34,475 ...led by General Stephen Kearny. ...led by General Stephen Kearny.
599 00:40:34,519 00:40:37,435 Stephen Watts Kearny has been an officer Stephen Watts Kearny has been an officer
600 00:40:37,478 00:40:40,002 he's known Lewis and Clark he's known Lewis and Clark
601 00:40:40,046 00:40:42,483 and Polk orders him west and Polk orders him west
602 00:40:42,527 00:40:44,572 to go and capture Santa Fe to go and capture Santa Fe
603 00:40:44,616 00:40:46,922 and then continue on down the Rio Grande and then continue on down the Rio Grande
604 00:40:46,966 00:40:49,359 and eventually strike westward to California. and eventually strike westward to California.
605 00:41:00,936 00:41:03,461 In early August, 1846.. In early August, 1846..
606 00:41:05,898 00:41:08,857 ...Fremont and Carson reach Los Angeles. ...Fremont and Carson reach Los Angeles.
607 00:41:12,861 00:41:16,212 After joining forces with US Marines sent by Polk.. After joining forces with US Marines sent by Polk..
608 00:41:18,127 00:41:20,521 ...they seize the city ...they seize the city
609 00:41:20,565 00:41:24,569 and with it, the final Mexican stronghold in California. and with it, the final Mexican stronghold in California.
610 00:41:26,571 00:41:28,094 It's kind of incredible. It's kind of incredible.
611 00:41:28,137 00:41:30,096 Fremont took California Fremont took California
612 00:41:30,139 00:41:33,752 against relatively light resistance. against relatively light resistance.
613 00:41:33,795 00:41:35,754 It fell into American hands It fell into American hands
614 00:41:35,797 00:41:37,756 partly because of the skill and bravery partly because of the skill and bravery
615 00:41:37,799 00:41:39,801 of someone like John C. Fremont of someone like John C. Fremont
616 00:41:39,845 00:41:41,977 but partly because of pure good fortune but partly because of pure good fortune
617 00:41:42,021 00:41:43,544 because it was there for the taking. because it was there for the taking.
618 00:41:48,767 00:41:52,553 It was at that point, Fremont assumed that-that-that It was at that point, Fremont assumed that-that-that
619 00:41:52,597 00:41:55,730 California was theirs, that they had taken it. California was theirs, that they had taken it.
620 00:41:55,774 00:41:58,472 They believed that-that Mexicans weren't really good soldiers. They believed that-that Mexicans weren't really good soldiers.
621 00:41:58,516 00:42:01,606 They believed that they were sort of indifferent politically They believed that they were sort of indifferent politically
622 00:42:01,649 00:42:03,825 and they took this as a sign and they took this as a sign
623 00:42:03,869 00:42:06,611 that-that, that California was theirs. that-that, that California was theirs.
624 00:42:08,874 00:42:11,137 Fremont, always ambitious Fremont, always ambitious
625 00:42:11,180 00:42:14,096 wants to share his good news with Polk quickly. wants to share his good news with Polk quickly.
626 00:42:19,885 00:42:23,366 Fremont decides now is the time Fremont decides now is the time
627 00:42:23,410 00:42:25,717 to-to let Washington know what has happened to-to let Washington know what has happened
628 00:42:25,760 00:42:27,545 to let Polk know what has happened to let Polk know what has happened
629 00:42:27,588 00:42:30,025 to sort of solidify the victory. to sort of solidify the victory.
630 00:42:30,069 00:42:33,246 Fremont was interested in expanding his own celebrity Fremont was interested in expanding his own celebrity
631 00:42:33,289 00:42:36,815 making this conquest part of his own personal story. making this conquest part of his own personal story.
632 00:42:36,858 00:42:40,688 Fremont decides to send a courier east. Fremont decides to send a courier east.
633 00:42:40,732 00:42:42,777 Who am I gonna hire to do this? Who am I gonna hire to do this?
634 00:42:42,821 00:42:45,780 Well, why not the most competent and pragmatic Well, why not the most competent and pragmatic
635 00:42:45,824 00:42:49,958 strongest member of my expedition, Kit Carson. strongest member of my expedition, Kit Carson.
636 00:42:52,395 00:42:54,833 Adept at survival Adept at survival
637 00:42:54,876 00:42:58,532 Carson picks the fastest route possible. Carson picks the fastest route possible.
638 00:42:58,576 00:43:01,056 Even though it means crossing hundreds of miles Even though it means crossing hundreds of miles
639 00:43:01,100 00:43:02,754 of inhospitable desert. of inhospitable desert.
640 00:43:04,320 00:43:06,671 The famed frontiersman is unaware The famed frontiersman is unaware
641 00:43:06,714 00:43:10,065 he's about to face his most grueling test yet. he's about to face his most grueling test yet.
642 00:43:22,730 00:43:24,340 By 1846.. By 1846..
643 00:43:26,125 00:43:28,344 ...Kit Carson is one of the few Americans ...Kit Carson is one of the few Americans
644 00:43:28,388 00:43:31,609 to ever reach California. to ever reach California.
645 00:43:31,652 00:43:35,351 Now, he's undertaking a new epic quest Now, he's undertaking a new epic quest
646 00:43:35,395 00:43:38,224 to cross the continent and hand-deliver to cross the continent and hand-deliver
647 00:43:38,267 00:43:42,010 an urgent message to President James K. Polk an urgent message to President James K. Polk
648 00:43:42,054 00:43:45,666 sharing that Fremont and his army have taken California. sharing that Fremont and his army have taken California.
649 00:43:47,059 00:43:49,496 He sets out from Los Angeles He sets out from Los Angeles
650 00:43:49,539 00:43:53,674 with orders to travel to Washington and back. with orders to travel to Washington and back.
651 00:43:53,718 00:43:59,985 A distance of 6000 miles in 140 days. A distance of 6000 miles in 140 days.
652 00:44:00,028 00:44:01,508 We have to remind ourselves that We have to remind ourselves that
653 00:44:01,551 00:44:04,337 there was no transcontinental railroad there was no transcontinental railroad
654 00:44:04,380 00:44:06,731 there was no telegraph, there was only one way there was no telegraph, there was only one way
655 00:44:06,774 00:44:08,602 to get a message to Washington to get a message to Washington
656 00:44:08,646 00:44:10,560 and that was to travel overland and that was to travel overland
657 00:44:10,604 00:44:13,738 and this is exactly the kind of expedition and this is exactly the kind of expedition
658 00:44:13,781 00:44:16,218 that Carson was perfect for. that Carson was perfect for.
659 00:44:16,262 00:44:19,439 But the most direct route across the country But the most direct route across the country
660 00:44:19,482 00:44:22,877 cuts through one of the most hostile places in America.. cuts through one of the most hostile places in America..
661 00:44:25,575 00:44:27,229 ...the Sonoran Desert. ...the Sonoran Desert.
662 00:44:49,599 00:44:51,601 Well, for Kit Carson to cross the desert Well, for Kit Carson to cross the desert
663 00:44:51,645 00:44:53,691 in what's now the Southwest in what's now the Southwest
664 00:44:53,734 00:44:57,956 would be a very difficult situation. would be a very difficult situation.
665 00:44:57,999 00:45:02,438 There's the danger of heat stroke, of getting lost There's the danger of heat stroke, of getting lost
666 00:45:02,482 00:45:04,527 there are many dangers. there are many dangers.
667 00:45:04,571 00:45:06,704 Dehydration would be a huge one. Dehydration would be a huge one.
668 00:45:20,848 00:45:23,372 Carson's frontier skills make him uniquely suited Carson's frontier skills make him uniquely suited
669 00:45:23,416 00:45:24,852 for this test. for this test.
670 00:45:31,206 00:45:34,166 He survives for weeks He survives for weeks
671 00:45:34,209 00:45:36,777 by harvesting water from creek beds by harvesting water from creek beds
672 00:45:36,821 00:45:40,825 and cactus roots buried below the ground. and cactus roots buried below the ground.
673 00:45:40,868 00:45:44,524 Carson knew, you know where to find water in a cactus. Carson knew, you know where to find water in a cactus.
674 00:45:44,567 00:45:46,265 He had a little trick where he would nick the ear of a mule He had a little trick where he would nick the ear of a mule
675 00:45:46,308 00:45:47,832 and drink its blood. and drink its blood.
676 00:45:47,875 00:45:49,877 He had all these little tricks up his sleeve. He had all these little tricks up his sleeve.
677 00:45:56,579 00:45:58,103 Aah! Aah!
678 00:46:07,590 00:46:09,288 But it's not enough But it's not enough
679 00:46:09,331 00:46:13,031 to overcome the relentless heat of the Sonoran summer. to overcome the relentless heat of the Sonoran summer.
680 00:46:19,907 00:46:24,303 Typically, say a 155-pound male would need about Typically, say a 155-pound male would need about
681 00:46:24,346 00:46:27,828 one and a half liters of water a day to stay alive. one and a half liters of water a day to stay alive.
682 00:46:29,874 00:46:33,486 If you're crossing a desert in the heat If you're crossing a desert in the heat
683 00:46:33,529 00:46:38,143 instead of 1.5 liters a day you need 1.5 liters an hour. instead of 1.5 liters a day you need 1.5 liters an hour.
684 00:46:54,812 00:46:57,510 After traveling more than 1000 miles.. After traveling more than 1000 miles..
685 00:47:00,165 00:47:02,428 ...Carson's life is in danger. ...Carson's life is in danger.
686 00:47:08,042 00:47:12,133 In the desert, as one's body becomes dehydrated.. In the desert, as one's body becomes dehydrated..
687 00:47:17,182 00:47:21,751 ...one's blood is actually thickening like oil. ...one's blood is actually thickening like oil.
688 00:47:21,795 00:47:25,625 The water inside your cells is being drawn out The water inside your cells is being drawn out
689 00:47:25,668 00:47:27,932 to thin your thickening blood. to thin your thickening blood.
690 00:47:27,975 00:47:31,457 So, your body is sucking itself dry So, your body is sucking itself dry
691 00:47:31,500 00:47:34,852 and these changes can occur in the brain as well. and these changes can occur in the brain as well.
692 00:47:39,465 00:47:43,121 The hallucinations typically accompany severe dehydration. The hallucinations typically accompany severe dehydration.
693 00:47:45,427 00:47:49,040 The victim can hallucinate pools of water. The victim can hallucinate pools of water.
694 00:47:51,390 00:47:54,088 In the latter stages, they will try In the latter stages, they will try
695 00:47:54,132 00:47:57,831 to bite their own arm and suck the liquid out. to bite their own arm and suck the liquid out.
696 00:48:16,719 00:48:17,938 Then finally.. Then finally..
697 00:48:20,245 00:48:22,290 ...relief is on the horizon. ...relief is on the horizon.
698 00:48:28,644 00:48:31,125 Kit Carson gets to a spot in New Mexico Kit Carson gets to a spot in New Mexico
699 00:48:31,169 00:48:34,520 and sees this cloud of dust coming from the west. and sees this cloud of dust coming from the west.
700 00:48:34,563 00:48:37,871 "Well, who is this? What's going on?" "Well, who is this? What's going on?"
701 00:48:37,915 00:48:40,308 It turns out to be the army of the west. It turns out to be the army of the west.
702 00:48:43,790 00:48:46,271 Under the orders of President Polk Under the orders of President Polk
703 00:48:46,314 00:48:49,317 General Stephen Kearney has spent the last six months General Stephen Kearney has spent the last six months
704 00:48:49,361 00:48:51,232 driving towards California. driving towards California.
705 00:49:00,938 00:49:02,678 'If you have any extra supplies you could share' 'If you have any extra supplies you could share'
706 00:49:02,722 00:49:04,202 'I'd appreciate it.' 'I'd appreciate it.'
707 00:49:04,245 00:49:07,205 - Where is it you're headed? - Washington. - Where is it you're headed? - Washington.
708 00:49:07,248 00:49:08,728 I have a message I need to relay. I have a message I need to relay.
709 00:49:08,771 00:49:10,991 - Where from? - California. - Where from? - California.
710 00:49:11,035 00:49:13,341 Well, that's where we're headed. We ride out in the morning. Well, that's where we're headed. We ride out in the morning.
711 00:49:14,952 00:49:17,432 What did you say your name was? What did you say your name was?
712 00:49:17,476 00:49:20,696 - Kit Carson. - You're Fremont's guide. - Kit Carson. - You're Fremont's guide.
713 00:49:23,351 00:49:25,136 The meeting between Carson and Kearny The meeting between Carson and Kearny
714 00:49:25,179 00:49:28,661 is one of the most serendipitous meetings in American history. is one of the most serendipitous meetings in American history.
715 00:49:30,445 00:49:32,708 General Kearny had heard of Carson. General Kearny had heard of Carson.
716 00:49:32,752 00:49:35,363 He knew about his exploits, he knew that Carson He knew about his exploits, he knew that Carson
717 00:49:35,407 00:49:38,453 had just been over this very inhospitable terrain. had just been over this very inhospitable terrain.
718 00:49:38,497 00:49:40,107 He needed a guide. He needed a guide.
719 00:49:40,151 00:49:42,370 Just as Fremont earlier had needed a guide. Just as Fremont earlier had needed a guide.
720 00:49:42,414 00:49:46,200 Now Kearny needed a guide to get him back to California. Now Kearny needed a guide to get him back to California.
721 00:49:48,594 00:49:51,205 So Kearny has to pull rank basically. So Kearny has to pull rank basically.
722 00:49:51,249 00:49:55,514 "Look, I'm a general, uh, you're gonna do what I tell you to do. "Look, I'm a general, uh, you're gonna do what I tell you to do.
723 00:49:55,557 00:49:57,124 I need you." I need you."
724 00:49:57,168 00:49:59,648 You get some rest. You get some rest.
725 00:49:59,692 00:50:01,302 We move out first thing in the morning. We move out first thing in the morning.
726 00:50:12,879 00:50:16,622 Kearny recognized that Carson was an experienced guide Kearny recognized that Carson was an experienced guide
727 00:50:16,665 00:50:19,364 uh, had been on these expeditions with Fremont uh, had been on these expeditions with Fremont
728 00:50:19,407 00:50:21,409 and I think Kearny just made a sound decision. and I think Kearny just made a sound decision.
729 00:50:21,453 00:50:24,978 He said, "You know where you're going, take me into San Diego." He said, "You know where you're going, take me into San Diego."
730 00:50:32,420 00:50:34,988 Carson, always the dutiful soldier Carson, always the dutiful soldier
731 00:50:35,032 00:50:38,252 accepts the orders begrudgingly and returns with Kearny. accepts the orders begrudgingly and returns with Kearny.
732 00:50:42,343 00:50:46,782 So, Carson is guiding Kearny west and he probably is fuming So, Carson is guiding Kearny west and he probably is fuming
733 00:50:46,826 00:50:50,090 he's resentful, he probably hates this expedition he's resentful, he probably hates this expedition
734 00:50:50,134 00:50:52,440 but there he is again moving back and forth but there he is again moving back and forth
735 00:50:52,484 00:50:54,703 across this huge nation. across this huge nation.
736 00:50:54,747 00:50:57,097 Carson heads back into the desert Carson heads back into the desert
737 00:50:57,141 00:51:00,666 unaware that he's walking straight into a war. unaware that he's walking straight into a war.
738 00:51:09,892 00:51:12,112 It's been two months since John Fremont It's been two months since John Fremont
739 00:51:12,156 00:51:15,768 dispatched Kit Carson east to Washington dispatched Kit Carson east to Washington
740 00:51:15,811 00:51:19,119 in a race to deliver the news that they've taken California. in a race to deliver the news that they've taken California.
741 00:51:20,816 00:51:22,688 But Carson's mission has changed. But Carson's mission has changed.
742 00:51:24,429 00:51:27,475 Now, he's heading back west Now, he's heading back west
743 00:51:27,519 00:51:31,871 leading General Kearny's troops to San Diego. leading General Kearny's troops to San Diego.
744 00:51:31,914 00:51:34,003 Stephen Kearny was the commander Stephen Kearny was the commander
745 00:51:34,047 00:51:36,093 of the American Army of the west. of the American Army of the west.
746 00:51:36,136 00:51:37,964 He was sent by Polk He was sent by Polk
747 00:51:38,007 00:51:40,923 to advance into Mexican territory to advance into Mexican territory
748 00:51:40,967 00:51:43,056 to secure California for the United States. to secure California for the United States.
749 00:51:45,624 00:51:48,670 And Kit Carson is saying, "Don't worry about California. And Kit Carson is saying, "Don't worry about California.
750 00:51:48,714 00:51:50,890 Fremont's already captured California." Fremont's already captured California."
751 00:51:52,674 00:51:54,676 Well, Kearny's in a little bit of a quandary. Well, Kearny's in a little bit of a quandary.
752 00:51:54,720 00:51:57,114 He's been told to do this, he's a good military officer He's been told to do this, he's a good military officer
753 00:51:57,157 00:51:59,377 he's gonna follow orders. he's gonna follow orders.
754 00:51:59,420 00:52:01,857 The slow-moving army takes eight weeks The slow-moving army takes eight weeks
755 00:52:01,901 00:52:05,209 to retrace Carson's steps through the Sonoran Desert. to retrace Carson's steps through the Sonoran Desert.
756 00:52:07,298 00:52:11,084 Kearny sends Carson ahead to scout the best route. Kearny sends Carson ahead to scout the best route.
757 00:52:18,178 00:52:20,354 Fifty miles outside of San Diego.. Fifty miles outside of San Diego..
758 00:52:24,576 00:52:26,230 ...Carson discovers.. ...Carson discovers..
759 00:52:28,971 00:52:31,104 ...that Mexico is far from defeated. ...that Mexico is far from defeated.
760 00:52:35,543 00:52:36,936 And its army.. And its army..
761 00:52:38,155 00:52:39,286 ...is on the move. ...is on the move.
762 00:52:41,201 00:52:43,421 They get near San Diego. They get near San Diego.
763 00:52:43,464 00:52:46,467 Carson rides ahead.. Carson rides ahead..
764 00:52:46,511 00:52:49,644 ...and, wait a minute, California is not conquered. ...and, wait a minute, California is not conquered.
765 00:52:49,688 00:52:52,256 Everything is kind of turned around now. Everything is kind of turned around now.
766 00:52:54,214 00:52:55,737 The Americans have lost ground. The Americans have lost ground.
767 00:52:58,305 00:53:00,394 Initially, Fremont's troops encountered Initially, Fremont's troops encountered
768 00:53:00,438 00:53:02,309 almost no resistance almost no resistance
769 00:53:02,353 00:53:06,095 taking towns from Sausalito to Los Angeles. taking towns from Sausalito to Los Angeles.
770 00:53:06,139 00:53:09,229 But now the Mexican Army has surged north But now the Mexican Army has surged north
771 00:53:09,273 00:53:11,100 reclaiming the territory reclaiming the territory
772 00:53:11,144 00:53:14,234 and Fremont is trying to regroup. and Fremont is trying to regroup.
773 00:53:14,278 00:53:17,455 Fremont sends Carson back to basically say Fremont sends Carson back to basically say
774 00:53:17,498 00:53:20,893 "We've won and, uh, everybody should celebrate." "We've won and, uh, everybody should celebrate."
775 00:53:20,936 00:53:23,591 Well, those greetings were a little bit premature. Well, those greetings were a little bit premature.
776 00:53:27,116 00:53:29,989 Essentially, the Mexican Army had, had regrouped Essentially, the Mexican Army had, had regrouped
777 00:53:30,032 00:53:33,949 and reorganized, ready to defend their land. and reorganized, ready to defend their land.
778 00:53:39,781 00:53:41,479 'How many of them over there?' 'How many of them over there?'
779 00:53:43,568 00:53:45,874 A hundred, maybe more. A hundred, maybe more.
780 00:53:47,485 00:53:49,008 Well-mounted too. Well-mounted too.
781 00:53:52,620 00:53:56,189 Kearny's men have, have marched from Santa Fe, New Mexico. Kearny's men have, have marched from Santa Fe, New Mexico.
782 00:53:56,233 00:53:58,670 His men are cold and tired. His men are cold and tired.
783 00:53:58,713 00:54:01,368 It's raining. His powder is wet. It's raining. His powder is wet.
784 00:54:01,412 00:54:04,458 Despite all of this, Kearny thinks Despite all of this, Kearny thinks
785 00:54:04,502 00:54:07,592 he can engage with the Mexican Army. he can engage with the Mexican Army.
786 00:54:09,594 00:54:10,856 We have to attack. We have to attack.
787 00:54:14,642 00:54:17,950 - Are you with me? - Yes, sir. - Are you with me? - Yes, sir.
788 00:54:26,611 00:54:30,310 Carson was the sort of guy you would want to have on your side Carson was the sort of guy you would want to have on your side
789 00:54:30,354 00:54:32,660 if you were in a firefight. if you were in a firefight.
790 00:54:32,704 00:54:35,794 He has an incredible violent streak. He has an incredible violent streak.
791 00:54:35,837 00:54:39,101 He was a violent man even for his times. He was a violent man even for his times.
792 00:54:39,145 00:54:41,495 Once he's perceived that this was a violent situation Once he's perceived that this was a violent situation
793 00:54:41,539 00:54:44,106 he was about to enter into, he went for the jugular. he was about to enter into, he went for the jugular.
794 00:55:10,045 00:55:12,700 Charge! Charge!
795 00:55:18,880 00:55:21,579 Keep moving forward! Keep the pressure up! Keep moving forward! Keep the pressure up!
796 00:55:28,107 00:55:30,196 Kearny completely underestimates Kearny completely underestimates
797 00:55:30,239 00:55:31,893 the Mexican presence. the Mexican presence.
798 00:55:35,201 00:55:37,508 And there's disorganization amongst the Americans And there's disorganization amongst the Americans
799 00:55:37,551 00:55:39,074 a bit of overzealousness.. a bit of overzealousness..
800 00:55:39,118 00:55:40,685 And the result is.. And the result is..
801 00:55:43,514 00:55:45,472 ...Kearny's men get stretched out ...Kearny's men get stretched out
802 00:55:45,516 00:55:47,953 and the Mexicans are able to take advantage of this. and the Mexicans are able to take advantage of this.
803 00:56:07,886 00:56:09,801 Carson is momentarily unconscious. Carson is momentarily unconscious.
804 00:56:16,634 00:56:18,940 Then he stands up and he finds his rifle. Then he stands up and he finds his rifle.
805 00:56:25,991 00:56:28,646 And he begins to pick off the enemy, one by one. And he begins to pick off the enemy, one by one.
806 00:56:30,212 00:56:32,214 It's classic Carson. It's classic Carson.
807 00:56:35,304 00:56:38,264 Carson grew up with a gun in his hand. Carson grew up with a gun in his hand.
808 00:56:38,307 00:56:39,483 He could shoot straight. He could shoot straight.
809 00:56:39,526 00:56:42,050 He was calm, he was composed He was calm, he was composed
810 00:56:42,094 00:56:44,705 he would dispatch you as quickly as possible. he would dispatch you as quickly as possible.
811 00:56:47,142 00:56:48,709 He would talk about a firefight, and he would say He would talk about a firefight, and he would say
812 00:56:48,753 00:56:51,495 "That was the, the prettiest fight I ever saw." "That was the, the prettiest fight I ever saw."
813 00:56:53,497 00:56:57,109 Almost like a mafia killer. Almost like a mafia killer.
814 00:56:57,152 00:57:01,287 The Mexicans suffered some wounded, but it's this point The Mexicans suffered some wounded, but it's this point
815 00:57:01,330 00:57:03,768 that Kearny realizes he's in trouble. that Kearny realizes he's in trouble.
816 00:57:06,945 00:57:09,338 Kearny himself was nearly killed in this conflict. Kearny himself was nearly killed in this conflict.
817 00:57:10,470 00:57:12,385 It's, uh, nip and tuck It's, uh, nip and tuck
818 00:57:12,429 00:57:13,952 whether they're gonna survive this thing. whether they're gonna survive this thing.
819 00:57:13,995 00:57:16,868 Retreat! Retreat! Retreat! Retreat!
820 00:57:19,131 00:57:21,960 Retreat! Retreat!
821 00:57:35,364 00:57:38,542 They have to regroup and create a perimeter They have to regroup and create a perimeter
822 00:57:38,585 00:57:41,675 and it's the beginning of a siege, basically. and it's the beginning of a siege, basically.
823 00:57:48,203 00:57:51,511 The siege at San Pasqual goes on for several days The siege at San Pasqual goes on for several days
824 00:57:51,555 00:57:55,341 and Kearny realizes that they're not going to survive this. and Kearny realizes that they're not going to survive this.
825 00:57:55,384 00:57:57,299 They don't have enough food and water They don't have enough food and water
826 00:57:57,343 00:57:59,693 and ammunition to hold out much longer. and ammunition to hold out much longer.
827 00:57:59,737 00:58:01,739 What he needs to do is find out What he needs to do is find out
828 00:58:01,782 00:58:04,872 whether there are any other American forces in the area. whether there are any other American forces in the area.
829 00:58:07,222 00:58:09,573 How many troops you think are still out there? How many troops you think are still out there?
830 00:58:09,616 00:58:11,139 More than we've got. More than we've got.
831 00:58:14,229 00:58:16,928 We need to sneak someone through enemy lines. We need to sneak someone through enemy lines.
832 00:58:16,971 00:58:18,495 Get word to San Diego. Get word to San Diego.
833 00:58:20,061 00:58:21,410 I'll do it. I'll do it.
834 00:58:23,456 00:58:27,112 There's a belief that somewhere in, near San Diego There's a belief that somewhere in, near San Diego
835 00:58:27,155 00:58:29,418 is the US Navy and the Marines. is the US Navy and the Marines.
836 00:58:29,462 00:58:32,552 And if he could get reinforcements, and get help And if he could get reinforcements, and get help
837 00:58:32,596 00:58:34,685 that they might be able to break this siege. that they might be able to break this siege.
838 00:58:38,471 00:58:42,431 So, again, who raises his hand? It's Carson. "I'll do it." So, again, who raises his hand? It's Carson. "I'll do it."
839 00:58:42,475 00:58:45,652 Whenever there's a risky mission into enemy territory Whenever there's a risky mission into enemy territory
840 00:58:45,696 00:58:47,480 he's the guy that raises his hand. he's the guy that raises his hand.
841 00:58:59,971 00:59:02,539 But San Diego is 40 miles away. But San Diego is 40 miles away.
842 00:59:06,630 00:59:09,328 And no one knows if help is there.. And no one knows if help is there..
843 00:59:13,724 00:59:16,640 ...or if Carson will survive the journey. ...or if Carson will survive the journey.
844 00:59:39,532 00:59:41,839 Kit Carson has just volunteered Kit Carson has just volunteered
845 00:59:41,882 00:59:44,668 for a mission that could cost his life. for a mission that could cost his life.
846 00:59:49,237 00:59:52,414 To save General Kearney's trapped army To save General Kearney's trapped army
847 00:59:52,458 00:59:57,115 he'll try to reach US Marines he hopes are in San Diego. he'll try to reach US Marines he hopes are in San Diego.
848 01:00:15,829 01:00:19,354 You have to imagine the danger inherent in this mission. You have to imagine the danger inherent in this mission.
849 01:00:26,100 01:00:29,060 Carson has to sneak through Mexican lines Carson has to sneak through Mexican lines
850 01:00:29,103 01:00:32,585 through enemy territory, through hills through enemy territory, through hills
851 01:00:32,629 01:00:34,674 rock and cactus, and thorns. rock and cactus, and thorns.
852 01:00:34,718 01:00:37,590 It is an unforgiving environment. It is an unforgiving environment.
853 01:00:37,634 01:00:40,419 And he's not on a horse, he's on hands and knees. And he's not on a horse, he's on hands and knees.
854 01:01:00,744 01:01:03,355 He's got to now make his way across this He's got to now make his way across this
855 01:01:03,398 01:01:05,487 uh, expansive desert uh, expansive desert
856 01:01:05,531 01:01:07,925 with prickly pear and all kinds of cactus with prickly pear and all kinds of cactus
857 01:01:07,968 01:01:10,710 he is traveling in enemy territory. he is traveling in enemy territory.
858 01:01:13,147 01:01:15,410 It's just another one of the exploits that It's just another one of the exploits that
859 01:01:15,454 01:01:18,065 contributes to the mythology of Kit Carson contributes to the mythology of Kit Carson
860 01:01:18,109 01:01:22,156 as this kind of incredibly plucky, self-reliant guy. as this kind of incredibly plucky, self-reliant guy.
861 01:01:54,493 01:01:56,147 Against all odds Against all odds
862 01:01:56,190 01:01:59,846 Kit Carson reaches San Diego in one day. Kit Carson reaches San Diego in one day.
863 01:01:59,890 01:02:02,719 Halt! Who goes there? Halt! Who goes there?
864 01:02:06,766 01:02:08,246 Hold your fire! Hold your fire!
865 01:02:10,030 01:02:11,728 Wait, I'm an American. Wait, I'm an American.
866 01:02:15,122 01:02:16,863 General Kearny sent me. General Kearny sent me.
867 01:02:36,578 01:02:39,407 The Mexican Army has his entire battalion surrounded. The Mexican Army has his entire battalion surrounded.
868 01:02:39,451 01:02:40,408 What? What?
869 01:02:40,452 01:02:41,670 About 35 miles back About 35 miles back
870 01:02:41,714 01:02:44,325 across the desert. across the desert.
871 01:02:44,369 01:02:47,111 By the time he makes it to American lines By the time he makes it to American lines
872 01:02:47,154 01:02:48,852 his feet are all torn up his feet are all torn up
873 01:02:48,895 01:02:50,767 and he's lacerated, he can't walk. and he's lacerated, he can't walk.
874 01:02:52,681 01:02:55,075 This is one of the great feats in American history. This is one of the great feats in American history.
875 01:03:10,308 01:03:14,660 After a brief reprieve, Carson returns to San Pasqual After a brief reprieve, Carson returns to San Pasqual
876 01:03:14,703 01:03:16,575 with 200 reinforcements. with 200 reinforcements.
877 01:03:18,446 01:03:21,493 As they approach General Kearney's position As they approach General Kearney's position
878 01:03:21,536 01:03:24,626 their opposition scatters. their opposition scatters.
879 01:03:24,670 01:03:28,500 The sight of these approaching marines, very well-armed The sight of these approaching marines, very well-armed
880 01:03:28,543 01:03:31,895 was enough to scatter the Mexican soldiers. was enough to scatter the Mexican soldiers.
881 01:03:31,938 01:03:33,331 They didn't want any part of this. They didn't want any part of this.
882 01:03:47,911 01:03:51,088 Carson learns Kearney has survived Carson learns Kearney has survived
883 01:03:51,131 01:03:54,613 and now intends to continue his mission. and now intends to continue his mission.
884 01:03:54,656 01:03:57,529 We'll make straight for San Diego, resupply We'll make straight for San Diego, resupply
885 01:03:57,572 01:04:00,271 then on, to Los Angeles. then on, to Los Angeles.
886 01:04:00,314 01:04:02,316 You think we can take it? You think we can take it?
887 01:04:02,360 01:04:04,362 We'll see. We'll see.
888 01:04:10,629 01:04:13,414 As he prepares to leave, Carson is unaware As he prepares to leave, Carson is unaware
889 01:04:13,458 01:04:16,635 his friend, John C. Fremont, is alive his friend, John C. Fremont, is alive
890 01:04:16,678 01:04:19,377 and planning his own mission. and planning his own mission.
891 01:04:19,420 01:04:21,858 Carson hadn't seen Fremont in a long time now. Carson hadn't seen Fremont in a long time now.
892 01:04:21,901 01:04:25,252 He didn't know if Fremont was alive or dead. He didn't know if Fremont was alive or dead.
893 01:04:25,296 01:04:28,342 He's near Monterey, trying to gather an army He's near Monterey, trying to gather an army
894 01:04:28,386 01:04:30,518 to retake Southern California. to retake Southern California.
895 01:04:32,042 01:04:33,826 By late November By late November
896 01:04:33,870 01:04:37,090 he's amassed a force of more than 400 men. he's amassed a force of more than 400 men.
897 01:04:40,485 01:04:43,053 Determined to reconquer Los Angeles Determined to reconquer Los Angeles
898 01:04:43,096 01:04:47,013 and burnish his reputation, Fremont heads south. and burnish his reputation, Fremont heads south.
899 01:04:49,189 01:04:52,105 At the same time, Kearney and Carson At the same time, Kearney and Carson
900 01:04:52,149 01:04:54,238 plan their own route north. plan their own route north.
901 01:04:56,327 01:04:58,807 Between them, the Mexican Army. Between them, the Mexican Army.
902 01:05:01,245 01:05:05,553 At stake, control of California At stake, control of California
903 01:05:05,597 01:05:09,731 and the final piece of American western expansion. and the final piece of American western expansion.
904 01:05:21,874 01:05:25,922 President James K. Polk is determined to seize California. President James K. Polk is determined to seize California.
905 01:05:27,924 01:05:30,665 But his plan depends on the outcome of a battle But his plan depends on the outcome of a battle
906 01:05:30,709 01:05:33,407 erupting 3000 miles away. erupting 3000 miles away.
907 01:05:41,546 01:05:45,419 Los Angeles is Mexico's final stronghold in the territory. Los Angeles is Mexico's final stronghold in the territory.
908 01:05:49,771 01:05:52,687 A prize the Americans want to reclaim. A prize the Americans want to reclaim.
909 01:05:56,213 01:05:58,693 John Fremont closes in from the north.. John Fremont closes in from the north..
910 01:06:02,654 01:06:05,526 ...as Kit Carson and General Kearney ...as Kit Carson and General Kearney
911 01:06:05,570 01:06:06,963 move to attack. move to attack.
912 01:06:09,617 01:06:11,228 If you think about Los Angeles If you think about Los Angeles
913 01:06:11,271 01:06:14,057 you have Kearny approaching from the south.. you have Kearny approaching from the south..
914 01:06:16,537 01:06:19,584 ...and Fremont was advancing along the coastal range ...and Fremont was advancing along the coastal range
915 01:06:19,627 01:06:22,021 and controlled the Cahuenga Pass. and controlled the Cahuenga Pass.
916 01:06:22,065 01:06:24,719 There wasn't really anywhere for the Mexican Army to go. There wasn't really anywhere for the Mexican Army to go.
917 01:06:31,422 01:06:34,120 Kearny's army arrives first.. Kearny's army arrives first..
918 01:06:50,397 01:06:52,486 Charge! Charge!
919 01:06:55,272 01:06:58,536 ...and overwhelms the enemy ...and overwhelms the enemy
920 01:06:58,579 01:07:02,105 defeating them in a matter of hours. defeating them in a matter of hours.
921 01:07:02,148 01:07:06,196 A combined force of Kearny's soldiers A combined force of Kearny's soldiers
922 01:07:06,239 01:07:10,417 and some American volunteers pin the Mexican Army down. and some American volunteers pin the Mexican Army down.
923 01:07:13,725 01:07:17,337 Between Fremont's advancing army from the north Between Fremont's advancing army from the north
924 01:07:17,381 01:07:19,122 and their combined force in the south.. and their combined force in the south..
925 01:07:24,388 01:07:25,824 ...the Mexican Army realizes, "Look, we're, you know, ...the Mexican Army realizes, "Look, we're, you know,
926 01:07:25,867 01:07:29,088 we're surrounded," and decided that it was we're surrounded," and decided that it was
927 01:07:29,132 01:07:32,744 it was time to, to capitulate. it was time to, to capitulate.
928 01:07:32,787 01:07:36,269 The US flag is raised over Los Angeles.. The US flag is raised over Los Angeles..
929 01:07:40,839 01:07:42,928 ...but the war isn't over. ...but the war isn't over.
930 01:07:47,498 01:07:49,630 Polk had basically gotten what he wanted. Polk had basically gotten what he wanted.
931 01:07:52,546 01:07:54,766 California was in American hands California was in American hands
932 01:07:54,809 01:07:56,463 New Mexico was in American hands.. New Mexico was in American hands..
933 01:07:58,291 01:08:00,946 ...Texas was secured, and Polk decided ...Texas was secured, and Polk decided
934 01:08:00,989 01:08:03,557 it was time for the war to end. it was time for the war to end.
935 01:08:03,601 01:08:07,083 Unfortunately, Mexicans had no interest in ending the war. Unfortunately, Mexicans had no interest in ending the war.
936 01:08:07,126 01:08:11,391 They were angry, and they refused to come to terms. They were angry, and they refused to come to terms.
937 01:08:11,435 01:08:14,438 To force Mexico's hand To force Mexico's hand
938 01:08:14,481 01:08:17,702 Polk launches an invasion. Polk launches an invasion.
939 01:08:17,745 01:08:19,007 Grabbing California, the United States Grabbing California, the United States
940 01:08:19,051 01:08:22,881 actually had to land an army.. actually had to land an army..
941 01:08:22,924 01:08:25,101 ...on the coast of Mexico, at Veracruz ...on the coast of Mexico, at Veracruz
942 01:08:25,144 01:08:27,929 and then march up and take Mexico City. and then march up and take Mexico City.
943 01:08:35,502 01:08:37,069 The resulting treaty.. The resulting treaty..
944 01:08:38,592 01:08:40,594 ...finally pushes the frontier ...finally pushes the frontier
945 01:08:40,638 01:08:42,118 to the western coast. to the western coast.
946 01:08:47,427 01:08:49,821 Fulfilling the dream of building a nation.. Fulfilling the dream of building a nation..
947 01:08:51,562 01:08:54,347 ...that spans from the Atlantic ...that spans from the Atlantic
948 01:08:54,391 01:08:56,567 to the Pacific. to the Pacific.
949 01:08:56,610 01:08:58,395 American expansionism, that's something American expansionism, that's something
950 01:08:58,438 01:09:01,311 that has been on, uh, the agenda, uh that has been on, uh, the agenda, uh
951 01:09:01,354 01:09:03,835 right from the American Revolution with Daniel Boone. right from the American Revolution with Daniel Boone.
952 01:09:03,878 01:09:08,318 So, wh-what we see in 1840s is a fulfillment of the promise So, wh-what we see in 1840s is a fulfillment of the promise
953 01:09:08,361 01:09:11,886 uh, of the founding fathers, and even the col-colonists uh, of the founding fathers, and even the col-colonists
954 01:09:11,930 01:09:14,019 who arrive and go out there who arrive and go out there
955 01:09:14,062 01:09:18,197 to, uh, get their piece of the American landmass. to, uh, get their piece of the American landmass.
956 01:09:18,241 01:09:20,504 The empire of liberty first imagined The empire of liberty first imagined
957 01:09:20,547 01:09:23,463 by Thomas Jefferson.. by Thomas Jefferson..
958 01:09:23,507 01:09:25,465 ...and championed by Andrew Jackson.. ...and championed by Andrew Jackson..
959 01:09:31,210 01:09:33,734 ...is achieved by the unlikeliest of leaders.. ...is achieved by the unlikeliest of leaders..
960 01:09:35,693 01:09:37,173 ...James Polk. ...James Polk.
961 01:09:40,959 01:09:44,005 President Polk is one of our most underrated presidents. President Polk is one of our most underrated presidents.
962 01:09:44,049 01:09:46,573 I mean, this was a very powerful man. I mean, this was a very powerful man.
963 01:09:46,617 01:09:50,229 Uh, um, a guy with very clear intentions. Uh, um, a guy with very clear intentions.
964 01:09:50,273 01:09:52,492 When Polk assumed office When Polk assumed office
965 01:09:52,536 01:09:56,061 he looked west and he saw all that land, and he said he looked west and he saw all that land, and he said
966 01:09:56,104 01:09:57,541 "You know what, I want it all." "You know what, I want it all."
967 01:09:57,584 01:09:59,064 It was really one of the greatest It was really one of the greatest
968 01:09:59,107 01:10:01,284 land grabs in the history of the world land grabs in the history of the world
969 01:10:01,327 01:10:03,590 to take that whole western third of the continent to take that whole western third of the continent
970 01:10:03,634 01:10:06,071 and to get it all in one generation. and to get it all in one generation.
971 01:10:08,856 01:10:10,641 If you wanna understand how important If you wanna understand how important
972 01:10:10,684 01:10:14,166 Polk's presidency was, just consider this. Polk's presidency was, just consider this.
973 01:10:14,210 01:10:16,299 California, if it were an independent country California, if it were an independent country
974 01:10:16,342 01:10:18,823 would be the fifth largest economy on Earth. would be the fifth largest economy on Earth.
975 01:10:20,694 01:10:24,045 Imagine American history without California Imagine American history without California
976 01:10:24,089 01:10:27,832 and then imagine Mexican history with California. and then imagine Mexican history with California.
977 01:10:29,921 01:10:32,271 The history of the entire world would be different. The history of the entire world would be different.
978 01:10:38,016 01:10:39,626 In California.. In California..
979 01:10:43,978 01:10:45,850 ...John Fremont is appointed ...John Fremont is appointed
980 01:10:45,893 01:10:48,940 temporary governor of the territory. temporary governor of the territory.
981 01:10:48,983 01:10:52,291 He and his trusted partner, Kit Carson He and his trusted partner, Kit Carson
982 01:10:52,335 01:10:54,511 parted ways six months before. parted ways six months before.
983 01:10:56,252 01:10:57,601 But now.. But now..
984 01:10:57,644 01:10:59,951 - Sir. - Hello, Carson. - Sir. - Hello, Carson.
985 01:10:59,994 01:11:01,518 It's good to see you again, sir. It's good to see you again, sir.
986 01:11:01,561 01:11:02,954 ...with the war over ...with the war over
987 01:11:02,997 01:11:05,739 they finally reunite. they finally reunite.
988 01:11:05,783 01:11:08,176 Carson hadn't seen Fremont in a long time now. Carson hadn't seen Fremont in a long time now.
989 01:11:08,220 01:11:09,874 He didn't know if Fremont was alive or dead.. He didn't know if Fremont was alive or dead..
990 01:11:11,832 01:11:16,446 ...and theirs was a deep and lasting friendship. ...and theirs was a deep and lasting friendship.
991 01:11:16,489 01:11:19,753 So Carson was probably very, very glad to see him. So Carson was probably very, very glad to see him.
992 01:11:21,407 01:11:24,628 Well, there's plenty of work to be done. Well, there's plenty of work to be done.
993 01:11:24,671 01:11:26,499 'If you'd like to stay on, I could certainly use you.' 'If you'd like to stay on, I could certainly use you.'
994 01:11:27,587 01:11:28,936 Yes, sir. Yes, sir.
995 01:11:32,331 01:11:35,943 Fremont goes on to become California's first senator.. Fremont goes on to become California's first senator..
996 01:11:39,338 01:11:42,689 ...while Carson fights for the Union in the Civil War. ...while Carson fights for the Union in the Civil War.
997 01:11:46,345 01:11:48,913 But it's their adventures on the frontier But it's their adventures on the frontier
998 01:11:48,956 01:11:51,568 that make them legends. that make them legends.
999 01:11:56,921 01:11:58,575 Fremont's explorations changed the way Fremont's explorations changed the way
1000 01:11:58,618 01:12:00,490 Americans thought about the west. Americans thought about the west.
1001 01:12:02,927 01:12:04,929 Prior to his explorations Prior to his explorations
1002 01:12:04,972 01:12:06,757 Americans tended to think of the west Americans tended to think of the west
1003 01:12:06,800 01:12:08,324 as-as merely a direction. as-as merely a direction.
1004 01:12:10,151 01:12:12,806 After Fremont, the west becomes a place After Fremont, the west becomes a place
1005 01:12:12,850 01:12:16,941 with known features, it forces Americans to see with known features, it forces Americans to see
1006 01:12:16,984 01:12:20,423 America not as an Atlantic-bound seaboard nation America not as an Atlantic-bound seaboard nation
1007 01:12:20,466 01:12:23,339 more as a continental nation state. more as a continental nation state.
1008 01:12:26,907 01:12:30,911 The newspapers back east called Fremont "The Pathfinder" The newspapers back east called Fremont "The Pathfinder"
1009 01:12:30,955 01:12:32,783 but really, that title but really, that title
1010 01:12:32,826 01:12:35,481 would more appropriately go to Carson. would more appropriately go to Carson.
1011 01:12:40,617 01:12:42,532 Carson was the real pathfinder. Carson was the real pathfinder.
1012 01:12:44,447 01:12:46,492 He's the one that kept the expeditions on track He's the one that kept the expeditions on track
1013 01:12:46,536 01:12:49,147 and out of harm's way. and out of harm's way.
1014 01:12:49,190 01:12:51,802 These two men, uh, just sort of desperately These two men, uh, just sort of desperately
1015 01:12:51,845 01:12:54,805 and-and rather profoundly, needed each other and-and rather profoundly, needed each other
1016 01:12:54,848 01:12:57,198 in order to accomplish everything that, that they in order to accomplish everything that, that they
1017 01:12:57,242 01:12:58,461 that they accomplished. that they accomplished.
1018 01:13:02,073 01:13:03,944 By the end of 1847 By the end of 1847
1019 01:13:03,988 01:13:06,904 California is officially a US territory. California is officially a US territory.
1020 01:13:09,646 01:13:13,650 But only 7000 Americans are living here. But only 7000 Americans are living here.
1021 01:13:13,693 01:13:16,087 If America wants to hold this ground If America wants to hold this ground
1022 01:13:16,130 01:13:18,916 it has to settle it. it has to settle it.
1023 01:13:18,959 01:13:22,702 Polk wanted to get as many warm bodies on the ground Polk wanted to get as many warm bodies on the ground
1024 01:13:22,746 01:13:26,053 living there, to start this process of California living there, to start this process of California
1025 01:13:26,097 01:13:29,056 to kind of assert their own interest in, uh to kind of assert their own interest in, uh
1026 01:13:29,100 01:13:33,060 refashioning California as American terrain. refashioning California as American terrain.
1027 01:13:33,104 01:13:35,454 There was a policy on the, on the part of US Government There was a policy on the, on the part of US Government
1028 01:13:35,498 01:13:38,109 to get as many people out there. to get as many people out there.
1029 01:13:38,152 01:13:39,763 Uh, because if you had boots on the ground Uh, because if you had boots on the ground
1030 01:13:39,806 01:13:41,765 populating these territories populating these territories
1031 01:13:41,808 01:13:44,376 well, uh, that makes it a fact well, uh, that makes it a fact
1032 01:13:44,420 01:13:47,466 uh, that this is the future of America. uh, that this is the future of America.
1033 01:13:47,510 01:13:50,730 And nothing motivates settlers more And nothing motivates settlers more
1034 01:13:50,774 01:13:53,472 than the chance to make a fortune. than the chance to make a fortune.
1035 01:13:53,516 01:13:56,214 In January of 1848 In January of 1848
1036 01:13:56,257 01:13:59,826 the promise of California pays off.. the promise of California pays off..
1037 01:14:05,049 01:14:09,009 ...when gold is discovered. ...when gold is discovered.
1038 01:14:09,053 01:14:13,971 This gold rush, now makes this, this amazing kind of land grab This gold rush, now makes this, this amazing kind of land grab
1039 01:14:14,014 01:14:15,929 really, really worth it. really, really worth it.
1040 01:14:15,973 01:14:17,931 I mean, this is like America winning the lottery I mean, this is like America winning the lottery
1041 01:14:17,975 01:14:19,759 all of a sudden. all of a sudden.
1042 01:14:19,803 01:14:21,935 A gold rush will soon compel A gold rush will soon compel
1043 01:14:21,979 01:14:24,938 thousands to move west. thousands to move west.
1044 01:14:24,982 01:14:29,247 The man who crosses the country to deliver the message.. The man who crosses the country to deliver the message..
1045 01:14:29,290 01:14:32,337 ...is none other than Kit Carson. ...is none other than Kit Carson.
1046 01:14:32,380 01:14:37,298 The amazing postscript to this is that Kit Carson The amazing postscript to this is that Kit Carson
1047 01:14:37,342 01:14:41,694 meets with President Polk, in December of 1848 meets with President Polk, in December of 1848
1048 01:14:41,738 01:14:43,696 and what news is he bringing? and what news is he bringing?
1049 01:14:43,740 01:14:46,569 He's bringing news that gold He's bringing news that gold
1050 01:14:46,612 01:14:50,181 gold has been discovered in California. gold has been discovered in California.
1051 01:14:50,224 01:14:54,011 Gold fever is about to transform the frontier. Gold fever is about to transform the frontier.
1052 01:15:01,409 01:15:04,238 With the addition of California With the addition of California
1053 01:15:04,282 01:15:08,547 the United States, at last, stretches from sea to sea. the United States, at last, stretches from sea to sea.
1054 01:15:13,726 01:15:17,425 The land itself is sparsely settled by Americans. The land itself is sparsely settled by Americans.
1055 01:15:21,691 01:15:25,521 Until a surprising discovery in 1848.. Until a surprising discovery in 1848..
1056 01:15:37,837 01:15:39,404 Gold. Gold.
1057 01:15:42,886 01:15:45,758 When gold was discovered in California in early 1848. When gold was discovered in California in early 1848.
1058 01:15:45,802 01:15:49,240 No one expected anything like this. No one expected anything like this.
1059 01:15:49,283 01:15:51,590 California, when the United States acquired it California, when the United States acquired it
1060 01:15:51,634 01:15:53,157 at the end of the war with Mexico at the end of the war with Mexico
1061 01:15:53,200 01:15:56,290 was about as far from the civilized portions was about as far from the civilized portions
1062 01:15:56,334 01:15:58,249 of America as you could be and still be of America as you could be and still be
1063 01:15:58,292 01:15:59,511 on the face of the planet Earth. on the face of the planet Earth.
1064 01:16:01,818 01:16:04,777 Nobody expected that California would be settled in any hurry. Nobody expected that California would be settled in any hurry.
1065 01:16:07,650 01:16:11,218 Word of the find travels quickly.. Word of the find travels quickly..
1066 01:16:11,262 01:16:14,613 ...igniting gold fever across the United States. ...igniting gold fever across the United States.
1067 01:16:24,144 01:16:28,801 Soon, over 300,000 pioneers stream into California.. Soon, over 300,000 pioneers stream into California..
1068 01:16:31,891 01:16:34,807 ...one of the biggest migrations in American history. ...one of the biggest migrations in American history.
1069 01:16:37,070 01:16:39,420 Once the gold rush is ignited Once the gold rush is ignited
1070 01:16:39,464 01:16:42,598 all of these men go west on these trails that had been all of these men go west on these trails that had been
1071 01:16:42,641 01:16:45,992 mapped and charted by Fremont and Carson. mapped and charted by Fremont and Carson.
1072 01:16:46,036 01:16:48,734 This ensures that California This ensures that California
1073 01:16:48,778 01:16:51,215 is going to be American territory forever. is going to be American territory forever.
1074 01:16:54,305 01:16:57,047 Over the course of the gold rush.. Over the course of the gold rush..
1075 01:16:57,090 01:17:01,138 ...settlers mine over 750,000 pounds of gold.. ...settlers mine over 750,000 pounds of gold..
1076 01:17:03,009 01:17:05,359 ...generating more than two billion dollars.. ...generating more than two billion dollars..
1077 01:17:07,187 01:17:09,625 ...over 61 billion today. ...over 61 billion today.
1078 01:17:17,067 01:17:21,549 In 1850, California becomes the 31st state. In 1850, California becomes the 31st state.
1079 01:17:25,815 01:17:28,731 Completing a chapter in American history Completing a chapter in American history
1080 01:17:28,774 01:17:33,344 that began 75 years before on the Appalachian Frontier. that began 75 years before on the Appalachian Frontier.
1081 01:17:35,128 01:17:36,869 In many ways this was a continuation In many ways this was a continuation
1082 01:17:36,913 01:17:38,131 of the American Revolution. of the American Revolution.
1083 01:17:38,175 01:17:40,003 You know, we were 13 colonies You know, we were 13 colonies
1084 01:17:40,046 01:17:42,179 we, but, kept pushing west and pushing west. we, but, kept pushing west and pushing west.
1085 01:17:43,876 01:17:46,313 But it wouldn't be a complete picture But it wouldn't be a complete picture
1086 01:17:46,357 01:17:49,839 until we were a nation from sea to shining sea. until we were a nation from sea to shining sea.
1087 01:17:52,363 01:17:53,886 The daring frontiersmen The daring frontiersmen
1088 01:17:53,930 01:17:55,845 who first braved the wilderness.. who first braved the wilderness..
1089 01:17:57,498 01:18:00,414 ...helped shape the future of America. ...helped shape the future of America.
1090 01:18:02,721 01:18:05,637 The American frontier spirit was right there The American frontier spirit was right there
1091 01:18:05,681 01:18:08,945 at the very beginning, during the American Revolution. at the very beginning, during the American Revolution.
1092 01:18:08,988 01:18:11,556 That notion where nothing is going to stop you That notion where nothing is going to stop you
1093 01:18:11,599 01:18:15,125 from going out and getting your piece of the pie. from going out and getting your piece of the pie.
1094 01:18:19,129 01:18:21,697 As they relentlessly moved west As they relentlessly moved west
1095 01:18:21,740 01:18:25,570 seeking new land and opportunity.. seeking new land and opportunity..
1096 01:18:25,613 01:18:28,529 ...they clashed with Native American tribes ...they clashed with Native American tribes
1097 01:18:28,573 01:18:32,446 determined to defend what was rightfully theirs. determined to defend what was rightfully theirs.
1098 01:18:32,490 01:18:38,452 The frontier was both the dark side and the light side The frontier was both the dark side and the light side
1099 01:18:38,496 01:18:40,106 of American expansion. of American expansion.
1100 01:18:40,150 01:18:43,893 Native people, just like settler people Native people, just like settler people
1101 01:18:43,936 01:18:45,721 need to be counted as Americans. need to be counted as Americans.
1102 01:18:47,592 01:18:50,464 Like any human being, American Indians fought Like any human being, American Indians fought
1103 01:18:50,508 01:18:52,597 for their families, for their nations for their families, for their nations
1104 01:18:52,640 01:18:54,817 for their lands, for their assets, for their life. for their lands, for their assets, for their life.
1105 01:18:56,209 01:18:57,950 We are still here. We are still here.
1106 01:19:00,083 01:19:01,867 We've not been exterminated. We've not been exterminated.
1107 01:19:01,911 01:19:03,608 American Indians are to be honored for that American Indians are to be honored for that
1108 01:19:03,651 01:19:05,305 and they continue to fight today. and they continue to fight today.
1109 01:19:12,138 01:19:14,793 Brave explorers mapped the unknown Brave explorers mapped the unknown
1110 01:19:14,837 01:19:17,317 blazing trails for settlers to follow. blazing trails for settlers to follow.
1111 01:19:18,405 01:19:20,190 Bold and resourceful Bold and resourceful
1112 01:19:20,233 01:19:22,932 the frontiersmen became American legends. the frontiersmen became American legends.
1113 01:19:24,585 01:19:26,196 Come on, men! Come on, men!
1114 01:19:26,239 01:19:28,546 There was always a fascination There was always a fascination
1115 01:19:28,589 01:19:31,549 with this image of The Pathfinder. with this image of The Pathfinder.
1116 01:19:31,592 01:19:34,682 With buckskin and rifle, sorta going out With buckskin and rifle, sorta going out
1117 01:19:34,726 01:19:36,467 into the great unknown. into the great unknown.
1118 01:19:39,165 01:19:42,255 Icons who inspired generations Icons who inspired generations
1119 01:19:42,299 01:19:44,954 with tales of their endurance and skill. with tales of their endurance and skill.
1120 01:19:47,260 01:19:51,917 The kinda people who would go to the frontier were tough.. The kinda people who would go to the frontier were tough..
1121 01:19:51,961 01:19:55,355 ...and they seemed to relish danger in the unknown. ...and they seemed to relish danger in the unknown.
1122 01:19:57,140 01:20:00,447 The frontier was not for the faint of heart. The frontier was not for the faint of heart.
1123 01:20:00,491 01:20:04,190 The frontier was hard and it bit back and it hurt. The frontier was hard and it bit back and it hurt.
1124 01:20:05,496 01:20:07,672 Fire! Fire!
1125 01:20:07,715 01:20:10,893 They were willing to put up with insane risks. They were willing to put up with insane risks.
1126 01:20:10,936 01:20:13,678 This was a world without outlaws. This was a world without outlaws.
1127 01:20:13,721 01:20:15,898 There were no laws to be outside of. There were no laws to be outside of.
1128 01:20:15,941 01:20:18,074 You kinda created your own code. You kinda created your own code.
1129 01:20:21,251 01:20:23,601 The frontier itself helped to forge The frontier itself helped to forge
1130 01:20:23,644 01:20:26,038 the nation's identity the nation's identity
1131 01:20:26,082 01:20:30,564 and has come to define the American spirit. and has come to define the American spirit.
1132 01:20:30,608 01:20:33,176 Congratulations, captain. Congratulations, captain.
1133 01:20:35,569 01:20:39,182 The frontier is in America's DNA. The frontier is in America's DNA.
1134 01:20:39,225 01:20:41,401 It is the way we think of ourselves. It is the way we think of ourselves.
1135 01:20:41,445 01:20:43,664 We no longer think of ourselves as a frontier society We no longer think of ourselves as a frontier society
1136 01:20:43,708 01:20:46,667 but we like to think of ourselves as these individuals. but we like to think of ourselves as these individuals.
1137 01:20:46,711 01:20:48,626 That was an essence of the frontier. That was an essence of the frontier.
1138 01:20:50,541 01:20:52,456 The frontier represented the quintessence The frontier represented the quintessence
1139 01:20:52,499 01:20:54,719 of American opportunity. of American opportunity.
1140 01:20:54,762 01:20:57,853 The frontier disappeared from American history The frontier disappeared from American history
1141 01:20:57,896 01:20:59,898 over a hundred years ago. over a hundred years ago.
1142 01:20:59,942 01:21:02,074 But the frontier remains very much alive But the frontier remains very much alive
1143 01:21:02,118 01:21:05,208 in the way Americans define ourselves. in the way Americans define ourselves.