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 the desire for territorial growth, leading to significant political, social, and economic changes in the nation, as well as conflicts with indigenous populations and other nations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Manifest destiny played a crucial role in the justification for the annexation of Texas in 1845, which heightened tensions between the U.S. and Mexico.
2. The phrase 'manifest destiny' was first coined by journalist John L. O'Sullivan in 1845, highlighting the belief that America was destined to expand its territory.
3. The ideology contributed to the displacement and suffering of Native American tribes as settlers moved westward, often resulting in violent conflicts.
4. Manifest destiny also influenced U.S. foreign policy and relations with other nations, particularly in terms of territorial claims in the Pacific and efforts to acquire Alaska and Hawaii.
5. The concept intensified sectional divisions within the U.S., as debates over whether new territories should allow slavery became a contentious issue leading up to the Civil War.

Review Questions

• How did manifest destiny influence American policies towards Native Americans during the 19th century?
  • Manifest destiny significantly impacted American policies towards Native Americans by justifying their displacement from ancestral lands. As settlers moved westward, driven by this belief, Native American tribes faced forced removal from their territories, often resulting in violence and loss of life. The ideology framed these actions as necessary for progress and civilization, effectively disregarding the rights and sovereignty of indigenous peoples.
• In what ways did manifest destiny contribute to the outbreak of the Mexican-American War?
  • Manifest destiny fueled tensions between the United States and Mexico, leading directly to the Mexican-American War. The belief that it was America's destiny to expand its territory encouraged aggressive expansionist policies, particularly regarding Texas. When Texas was annexed by the U.S., it escalated conflicts over border disputes, prompting President James K. Polk to pursue war with Mexico to secure additional territories such as California and New Mexico.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of manifest destiny on American society and its geopolitical landscape.
  • The long-term effects of manifest destiny on American society include profound changes in demographics, culture, and national identity. The westward expansion led to a diverse population mix but also resulted in systemic injustices against Native Americans and other marginalized groups. Geopolitically, manifest destiny reshaped North America’s borders through acquisitions such as Oregon and California, while establishing a pattern of U.S. intervention in Latin America that would influence foreign relations for decades. This ideology laid the groundwork for future expansionist policies, often framed as America's moral obligation to spread democracy and civilization.

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.

Oregon Trail: A key route used by thousands of settlers traveling westward in search of land and opportunity during the mid-1800s.

Mexican-American War: A conflict between the United States and Mexico from 1846 to 1848, largely driven by the desire to expand U.S. territory under the doctrine of manifest destiny.