Manifest Destiny

Definition

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 ideology was rooted in a sense of American exceptionalism and the belief that expansion would spread democracy and civilization. The concept played a crucial role in driving westward expansion, influencing policies, wars, and the development of transportation technologies that facilitated movement into new territories.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The term 'Manifest Destiny' was first coined by journalist John L. O'Sullivan in 1845 when advocating for the annexation of Texas.
2. The belief in Manifest Destiny justified the U.S. government's actions, including territorial acquisitions like the Louisiana Purchase and the Oregon Trail.
3. Manifest Destiny also contributed to conflicts with Native American tribes, as settlers moved westward, often disregarding indigenous rights and territories.
4. The ideology was intertwined with a belief in American superiority, promoting the idea that it was America's duty to civilize and democratize the western lands.
5. The construction of the Transcontinental Railroad was greatly influenced by Manifest Destiny, making it easier for settlers to move west and bringing economic growth to new areas.

Review Questions

• How did the concept of Manifest Destiny influence American policies regarding westward expansion?
  • Manifest Destiny shaped various American policies by providing a moral justification for westward expansion. It encouraged government actions like the annexation of Texas and the acquisition of territories through treaties and wars. This ideology fostered a sense of urgency among settlers, leading to significant migration patterns, land claims, and conflicts with Native Americans as people sought new opportunities in the West.
• Evaluate the impact of transportation innovations on Manifest Destiny and westward expansion during the 19th century.
  • Transportation innovations, such as the steamboat, canals, and eventually the Transcontinental Railroad, had a profound impact on Manifest Destiny by facilitating quicker and easier movement across vast distances. These advancements made it possible for more settlers to travel to new territories, thus enabling rapid population growth in these areas. The increased mobility not only supported economic expansion but also reinforced the belief in America’s destined role to expand its borders.
• Analyze how Manifest Destiny affected relations between the United States and Native American tribes during the 19th century.
  • Manifest Destiny significantly strained relations between the United States and Native American tribes as it legitimized territorial encroachment by settlers. This belief led to policies that forcibly removed indigenous populations from their ancestral lands through treaties that were often broken or ignored. As settlers moved westward, armed conflicts erupted, resulting in devastating consequences for Native American communities, including loss of land, culture, and lives, which underscored the tragic cost of this ideological expansion.

Related terms

Westward Expansion: The movement of settlers and immigrants into the American West during the 19th century, significantly influenced by the ideology of Manifest Destiny.

Homestead Act: A law enacted in 1862 that provided 160 acres of public land to settlers for a small fee, encouraging westward migration and settlement.

Transcontinental Railroad: A railway system completed in 1869 that connected the eastern United States to the western territories, revolutionizing transportation and commerce.