John O'Sullivan
Definition
John O'Sullivan was an influential American journalist and politician in the early 19th century who coined the term 'Manifest Destiny' to describe the belief that American expansion across the continent was inevitable and divinely ordained.
Analogy
Think of him as a trendsetter, like someone who starts a new fashion or catchphrase that everyone else starts using. In this case, he started a phrase that defined an era of U.S. history.
Related terms
Manifest Destiny: This is the term O'Sullivan coined which refers to the 19th-century doctrine or belief that the expansion of the US throughout the American continents was both justified and inevitable.
Annexation of Texas: This event, supported by O'Sullivan, involved incorporating Texas into United States territory in 1845.
Mexican-American War: A conflict between Mexico and America from 1846-1848 over disputes including territorial boundaries; it was heavily influenced by Manifest Destiny beliefs.
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