Manifest destiny is the 19th-century belief that it was the divine right and destiny of the United States to expand its territory across North America. This concept was used to justify westward expansion, often at the expense of Native American lands and other nations, promoting a sense of American exceptionalism and the idea that expansion was both inevitable and beneficial.
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The phrase 'manifest destiny' was coined by journalist John L. O'Sullivan in 1845 to advocate for the annexation of Texas and the expansion of the United States.
Manifest destiny fueled a sense of nationalism and justified various conflicts, including the Mexican-American War, as Americans believed they were destined to spread democracy and civilization.
The ideology often disregarded the rights and sovereignty of Native American peoples, leading to widespread displacement, violence, and cultural destruction.
The belief in manifest destiny contributed to territorial acquisitions such as Oregon, California, and New Mexico, fundamentally shaping the borders of modern-day America.
Critics of manifest destiny viewed it as a thinly veiled excuse for imperialism and aggression against neighboring countries and indigenous peoples.
Review Questions
How did manifest destiny influence American attitudes towards westward expansion?
Manifest destiny played a crucial role in shaping American attitudes toward westward expansion by promoting the belief that it was their divine right to spread across North America. This ideology fostered a sense of purpose and urgency among settlers, encouraging them to move westward in search of land and opportunity. It also justified aggressive policies towards Native Americans and other nations, as many believed they were bringing progress and civilization to what they considered 'untamed' territories.
Discuss the impact of manifest destiny on Native American populations during westward expansion.
Manifest destiny had a devastating impact on Native American populations as it legitimized their forced removal from ancestral lands. Policies such as the Indian Removal Act resulted in mass displacements, suffering, and loss of life among Native communities. As settlers moved westward, they often clashed with Native Americans who resisted encroachment on their territories. This led to violent conflicts and treaties that were frequently broken, further marginalizing indigenous peoples in favor of American expansion.
Evaluate how manifest destiny contributed to the tensions between the United States and Mexico leading up to the Mexican-American War.
Manifest destiny significantly escalated tensions between the United States and Mexico by fostering an aggressive mindset towards territorial acquisition. The desire to expand into Mexican territories like Texas and California was driven by this belief, resulting in political conflicts and military confrontations. The annexation of Texas in 1845, viewed by Mexico as an act of aggression, prompted war in 1846 when U.S. forces engaged with Mexican troops. This conflict ultimately resulted in a significant territorial gain for the U.S., reinforcing the controversial legacy of manifest destiny.
Related terms
Westward Expansion: The movement of settlers and immigrants into the American West during the 19th century, which was driven by the belief in manifest destiny.
A law enacted in 1830 that authorized the forced relocation of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States to designated Indian Territory west of the Mississippi River.
The 1845 incorporation of the Republic of Texas into the United States, a key event in the pursuit of manifest destiny that heightened tensions with Mexico.