Manifest Destiny

Definition

Manifest Destiny is the 19th-century belief that the expansion of the United States across the American continents was both justified and inevitable. This ideology fueled a sense of American exceptionalism and played a crucial role in territorial expansion, influencing policies and conflicts that shaped the nation’s history.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The term 'Manifest Destiny' was first coined by journalist John L. O'Sullivan in 1845, promoting the idea that it was America's divine right to expand across North America.
2. The belief in Manifest Destiny justified numerous aggressive policies, including the annexation of Texas in 1845 and the subsequent Mexican-American War.
3. Manifest Destiny led to significant conflicts with Native American tribes, as westward expansion often resulted in displacement and violent confrontations.
4. The ideology contributed to the debate over slavery's extension into new territories, intensifying sectional tensions leading up to the Civil War.
5. The impact of Manifest Destiny extended beyond territorial gains; it also influenced American culture, arts, and perceptions of national identity during the 19th century.

Review Questions

• How did Manifest Destiny influence the presidency of Thomas Jefferson and James Madison?
  • Manifest Destiny significantly impacted Thomas Jefferson's presidency through the Louisiana Purchase, which doubled the size of the U.S. and fueled aspirations for further expansion. Jefferson's vision for an agrarian America aligned with this belief, promoting westward movement as a means to secure land for farming. Madison continued this trajectory by facing challenges related to territorial conflicts and Native American resistance, reinforcing the notion that expansion was necessary for national growth and security.
• Evaluate the consequences of Manifest Destiny on American imperialism and how it shaped foreign policy during the 19th century.
  • Manifest Destiny laid the ideological groundwork for American imperialism in the late 19th century by instilling a sense of entitlement and superiority over other nations. This attitude justified interventions in foreign territories and influenced decisions such as the acquisition of Alaska and Hawaii. As America sought to spread its influence globally, it mirrored earlier expansionist policies driven by Manifest Destiny, demonstrating how domestic beliefs transformed into broader imperial ambitions.
• Assess how Manifest Destiny contributed to the outbreak of conflict during the Spanish-American War and its aftermath.
  • Manifest Destiny's legacy played a crucial role in justifying U.S. involvement in overseas conflicts like the Spanish-American War. The desire to liberate Cuba from Spanish rule was framed as an extension of American exceptionalism and moral duty, resonating with earlier beliefs about territorial expansion. The war resulted in significant territorial acquisitions, including Puerto Rico and the Philippines, further showcasing how Manifest Destiny evolved into a justification for imperialism that reshaped America's role on the world stage.

Related terms

Louisiana Purchase: The 1803 acquisition of territory from France that doubled the size of the United States, laying the groundwork for westward expansion.

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo: The 1848 agreement that ended the Mexican-American War, resulting in significant land gains for the United States, including present-day California, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Wyoming.

Oregon Trail: A historic east-to-west route used by thousands of American settlers in the mid-1800s to migrate to the western territories in search of land and opportunity.