Manifest destiny

Definition

Manifest destiny is a 19th-century belief that it was the divine right and duty of the United States to expand its territory across North America. This ideology fueled the country's westward expansion and justified actions taken against Native American populations, as well as conflicts with foreign nations. The concept was closely tied to American nationalism and the notion of progress.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Manifest destiny emerged as a powerful justification for U.S. territorial expansion in the 1840s, encouraging settlers to move westward.
2. The ideology led to conflicts with Native American tribes, whose lands were often taken under the guise of manifest destiny.
3. Supporters of manifest destiny believed it was America's mission to spread democracy and civilization across the continent.
4. The term 'manifest destiny' was first coined by journalist John L. O'Sullivan in 1845 to advocate for the annexation of Texas.
5. The belief in manifest destiny contributed to significant events like the Oregon Trail migration and the Mexican-American War.

Review Questions

• How did manifest destiny influence U.S. policy towards Native American populations during westward expansion?
  • Manifest destiny significantly influenced U.S. policy towards Native Americans by framing their displacement as a necessary part of America's divine mission. This ideology justified numerous policies, including forced removals and broken treaties, which led to the loss of Native American lands and cultures. The belief in manifest destiny allowed settlers and the government to rationalize these actions as part of progress and civilization, often at great human cost.
• Discuss the role of manifest destiny in shaping America's foreign relations during the 19th century.
  • Manifest destiny played a crucial role in shaping America's foreign relations by promoting an expansionist agenda that often led to conflicts with neighboring countries. For instance, it justified the Mexican-American War, which resulted in significant territorial gains for the U.S. The ideology also influenced treaties and negotiations, as America sought to acquire land through diplomacy or military force, impacting relationships with both Mexico and Indigenous nations.
• Evaluate how manifest destiny reflected broader themes of nationalism and progress within 19th-century American society.
  • Manifest destiny can be evaluated as a reflection of broader themes of nationalism and progress within 19th-century American society by highlighting how these ideas were intertwined with notions of racial superiority and cultural imperialism. Nationalism fostered a belief in America's exceptionalism, driving many to view expansion as both a right and a responsibility. This belief in progress was often associated with technological advancement and economic opportunity, leading many Americans to embrace westward expansion despite its consequences for Indigenous peoples and foreign nations.

Related terms

Westward Expansion: The movement of settlers and immigrants into the western territories of the United States, driven by opportunities for land and resources.

Indian Removal Act: A law passed in 1830 that authorized the forced relocation of Native American tribes from their ancestral homelands to designated territories west of the Mississippi River.

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