Manifest Destiny

Definition

Manifest Destiny was the 19th-century doctrine that the expansion of the United States across the American continents was both justified and inevitable. This belief fueled a sense of national mission that led to westward expansion, which had significant implications for Native American populations, territorial conflicts, and the political landscape of the nation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Manifest Destiny was used as a justification for the annexation of Texas and the subsequent Mexican-American War.
2. The term was first coined by journalist John L. O'Sullivan in 1845, emphasizing the belief that Americans were destined to expand their territory.
3. This ideology contributed to conflicts with Native American tribes as settlers moved into their lands, often leading to violent confrontations.
4. The belief in Manifest Destiny also influenced U.S. foreign policy, prompting expansion beyond the continental borders, including Alaska and Hawaii later on.
5. Manifest Destiny played a critical role in shaping American identity and nationalism during the 19th century, influencing political discourse and cultural attitudes.

Review Questions

• How did Manifest Destiny influence the relationships between the United States and Native American tribes during westward expansion?
  • Manifest Destiny greatly affected relationships between the United States and Native American tribes by promoting the idea that it was America’s divine right to expand its territory. This belief led to aggressive policies aimed at removing Native Americans from their lands through treaties, military force, and forced relocations such as the Trail of Tears. As settlers moved westward, conflicts arose over land ownership and resources, fundamentally disrupting Native American communities and cultures.
• Evaluate the role of Manifest Destiny in shaping U.S. territorial expansion and its consequences on neighboring countries, particularly Mexico.
  • Manifest Destiny played a crucial role in shaping U.S. territorial expansion by justifying actions such as the annexation of Texas and the outbreak of the Mexican-American War. The consequences were profound; after winning the war, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo resulted in significant territorial gains for the U.S., but it also left Mexico weakened and embittered. This expansion fostered tensions between different regions in America over issues like slavery, contributing to divisions that would later escalate into the Civil War.
• Analyze how Manifest Destiny not only shaped U.S. expansionist policies but also reflected broader social attitudes towards race and culture during the 19th century.
  • Manifest Destiny was deeply intertwined with social attitudes regarding race and culture in 19th-century America, reflecting a belief in Anglo-Saxon superiority. This mindset justified not only territorial expansion but also the subjugation of Native Americans and Mexicans, who were often viewed as obstacles to progress. The ideology fostered a sense of entitlement among Americans that their civilization was destined to spread, leading to cultural assimilation policies and violent confrontations with indigenous populations, ultimately shaping America's national narrative around exceptionalism.

Related terms

Westward Expansion: The movement of settlers and immigrants into the American West during the 19th century, significantly influenced by the belief in Manifest Destiny.

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo: The treaty signed in 1848 that ended the Mexican-American War, resulting in the U.S. acquisition of vast territories including California and New Mexico.

Trail of Tears: The forced relocation of Native American nations from their ancestral homelands, which resulted in significant suffering and loss of life, often justified by Manifest Destiny.