Manifest destiny

Definition

Manifest destiny is the 19th-century doctrine or belief that the expansion of the United States across the American continents was both justified and inevitable. This concept not only fueled westward expansion but also influenced American culture, politics, and identity, as it promoted the idea that the U.S. had a divine right to spread democracy and civilization.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Manifest destiny was popularized in the 1840s, particularly during the presidency of James K. Polk, who was a strong advocate for territorial expansion.
2. The term was first coined by journalist John L. O'Sullivan in 1845, emphasizing the belief that it was America's fate to spread democracy across the continent.
3. The ideology of manifest destiny justified the annexation of territories such as Texas and California, often at the expense of Native American lands and cultures.
4. It contributed to conflicts such as the Mexican-American War (1846-1848), which resulted in significant territorial gains for the United States.
5. Manifest destiny also had cultural implications, leading to a sense of American exceptionalism and a belief in the superiority of American values and institutions.

Review Questions

• How did manifest destiny influence American policies and actions regarding territorial expansion in the 19th century?
  • Manifest destiny significantly shaped American policies by justifying territorial expansion through a belief in divine right and democracy. This ideology encouraged aggressive actions such as the annexation of Texas and engagement in the Mexican-American War, which led to substantial land acquisitions. The notion that Americans were destined to expand their territory created a political environment supportive of policies aimed at acquiring new lands.
• Evaluate the impact of manifest destiny on Native American populations during westward expansion.
  • The impact of manifest destiny on Native American populations was devastating. As settlers moved westward under this belief, indigenous peoples faced displacement, violence, and cultural erasure. Policies driven by manifest destiny often disregarded Native rights and led to forced removals, exemplified by events like the Trail of Tears. This expansionist ideology framed Native Americans as obstacles to progress, legitimizing their marginalization.
• Analyze how manifest destiny shaped American identity and culture throughout the 19th century.
  • Manifest destiny played a crucial role in shaping American identity by fostering a sense of exceptionalism and entitlement among citizens. It promoted the idea that Americans were chosen to spread democracy and civilization, influencing literature, art, and political discourse. The belief in manifest destiny not only motivated physical expansion but also ingrained an ideological framework that justified imperialistic ambitions, significantly altering how Americans viewed their nation and its role in the world.

Related terms

Westward Expansion: The period in American history during the 19th century when settlers moved westward across North America, driven by various factors including economic opportunity and manifest destiny.

Homestead Act: A U.S. law enacted in 1862 that provided land grants to citizens willing to settle and cultivate land in the western territories, reflecting the ideals of manifest destiny.

Oregon Trail: A historic route used by thousands of settlers traveling westward in the 1840s and 1850s, symbolizing the movement driven by manifest destiny.