Era of Manifest Destiny

Definition

The Era of Manifest Destiny refers to the 19th-century belief that the expansion of the United States across the American continents was both justified and inevitable. This ideology not only fueled territorial expansion, including westward migration and the acquisition of vast lands, but it also had significant social, political, and economic impacts, shaping national identity and policies regarding Native Americans and slavery. The ramifications of this era contributed to both the failure of Reconstruction and the initial phases of Manifest Destiny.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The phrase 'Manifest Destiny' was first coined in 1845 by journalist John L. O'Sullivan, who argued that it was America's divine right to expand its territory across North America.
2. During this era, major events such as the Louisiana Purchase, Texas Annexation, and the Oregon Trail migrations were driven by this belief in expansion.
3. Manifest Destiny not only justified westward expansion but also fueled conflicts with Native Americans, as settlers encroached upon their lands leading to forced relocations.
4. The ideology was closely tied to the rise of sectional tensions over slavery, as new territories raised debates about whether they would allow slavery or not.
5. The failure of Reconstruction can be traced back to attitudes formed during this era, where competing interests over land and resources heightened regional divides that contributed to post-Civil War challenges.

Review Questions

• How did the belief in Manifest Destiny influence westward expansion and interactions with Native American populations?
  • The belief in Manifest Destiny significantly influenced westward expansion as it justified the movement of settlers into new territories under the premise that it was a divine right. This led to numerous conflicts with Native American populations, as settlers encroached upon their lands and resources. The resulting confrontations often resulted in forced removals and treaties that favored U.S. interests, further exacerbating tensions between different cultural groups in North America.
• Analyze the impact of the Homestead Act on the spread of Manifest Destiny and its implications for American society.
  • The Homestead Act played a crucial role in promoting the spread of Manifest Destiny by providing land to settlers willing to cultivate it, thereby encouraging westward migration. This act not only facilitated territorial expansion but also transformed American society by enabling thousands to establish farms and build communities in previously uninhabited areas. However, this rapid settlement often led to conflict over land ownership with Native Americans and raised ethical questions about displacement and land rights.
• Evaluate how the outcomes of Manifest Destiny contributed to the tensions leading up to the Civil War and influenced post-war Reconstruction efforts.
  • The outcomes of Manifest Destiny heightened tensions leading up to the Civil War as new territories acquired through expansion prompted heated debates over whether they would permit slavery. This division deepened sectional rivalries between the North and South, making compromises increasingly difficult. In turn, these unresolved issues carried into the Reconstruction era, where differing views on land ownership and rights further complicated efforts to unify a nation torn apart by conflict, ultimately contributing to the failure of those Reconstruction efforts.

Related terms

Expansionism: The policy of territorial or economic expansion that was prevalent during the Era of Manifest Destiny, often justified by the belief in American superiority.

Homestead Act:

A law passed in 1862 that encouraged westward migration by providing settlers with land at little or no cost, directly linked to the ideals of Manifest Destiny.

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo:

The 1848 treaty that ended the Mexican-American War, resulting in significant territorial gains for the United States, embodying the spirit of Manifest Destiny.