Manifest Destiny

Definition

Manifest Destiny is a 19th-century doctrine or belief that it was the divine right and destiny of the United States to expand its territory across the North American continent. This idea justified westward expansion, promoting the notion that American settlers were destined to spread democracy and capitalism, which had a profound impact on American culture and politics.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The term 'Manifest Destiny' was first coined by journalist John L. O'Sullivan in 1845 to promote the annexation of Texas and other territories.
2. Manifest Destiny was not only about land acquisition but also intertwined with notions of racial superiority and a belief in American exceptionalism.
3. The ideology fueled conflicts with Native Americans, as westward expansion often led to forced removals and violent confrontations.
4. The concept played a significant role in shaping U.S. foreign policy, as it justified interventions in Latin America and the Pacific region.
5. The idea of Manifest Destiny contributed to the sectional tensions between the North and South, as debates over the expansion of slavery into new territories intensified.

Review Questions

• How did the concept of Manifest Destiny influence westward expansion in the United States?
  • Manifest Destiny provided a moral justification for westward expansion, suggesting that Americans had a divine right to spread their culture and institutions across North America. This belief motivated many settlers to move west in search of land and opportunities, leading to increased migration along trails such as the Oregon Trail. The idea reinforced the notion that expansion was not only beneficial but inevitable, fueling both optimism and conflict during this period.
• Discuss the consequences of Manifest Destiny on Native American populations during westward expansion.
  • The consequences of Manifest Destiny for Native American populations were devastating. As settlers moved westward under the belief that it was their destiny, many Indigenous communities were forcibly removed from their lands through treaties that were often not honored. This led to violent confrontations, loss of ancestral lands, and significant cultural disruptions for Native Americans, as their way of life was undermined by relentless settlement and expansion.
• Evaluate how Manifest Destiny shaped U.S. foreign policy during the 19th century, particularly in relation to Mexico and other territories.
  • Manifest Destiny significantly shaped U.S. foreign policy in the 19th century by promoting an aggressive stance toward territorial expansion. This ideology justified actions such as the Mexican-American War, where territorial disputes led to military conflict and resulted in significant land gains for the United States. The concept also influenced U.S. interventions in Latin America and discussions around acquiring territories like Alaska and Hawaii, reflecting a broader vision of American dominance across North America and beyond.

Related terms

Westward Expansion: The movement of settlers and immigrants into the American West during the 19th century, driven by the belief in Manifest Destiny and the search for land and opportunity.

Oregon Trail: A major route that connected the Missouri River to valleys in Oregon, used by thousands of settlers traveling west in search of new opportunities during the Manifest Destiny era.

Mexican-American War: A conflict between the United States and Mexico from 1846 to 1848, resulting from territorial disputes related to Manifest Destiny and leading to significant land gains for the U.S.