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 fueled American expansionism and was used to justify the acquisition of lands, impacting relationships with Native Americans and other nations. It played a critical role in shaping the nation's identity and policies during a time of rapid growth and territorial changes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Manifest Destiny became a popular justification for U.S. territorial expansion, leading to conflicts with Native American tribes as settlers moved westward.
2. The term was first coined by journalist John L. O'Sullivan in 1845, emphasizing the belief that Americans were destined to spread democracy and civilization across the continent.
3. The ideology contributed to significant events such as the Mexican-American War, which resulted in the U.S. acquiring present-day California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico.
4. Manifest Destiny also influenced policies like Indian Removal, where Native American populations were forcibly displaced from their ancestral lands to make way for American settlers.
5. The belief in Manifest Destiny intensified debates over slavery in new territories, playing a crucial role in escalating tensions leading up to the Civil War.

Review Questions

• How did Manifest Destiny influence U.S. foreign policy and relations with neighboring countries during the 19th century?
  • Manifest Destiny heavily influenced U.S. foreign policy by justifying expansionist actions toward neighboring territories. This belief prompted the annexation of Texas and spurred conflict with Mexico, leading to the Mexican-American War. The resulting Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo allowed the U.S. to acquire vast amounts of land, furthering its reach across North America while complicating relations with other nations regarding territorial boundaries.
• Discuss how Manifest Destiny affected Native American communities and their rights during westward expansion.
  • Manifest Destiny had devastating effects on Native American communities as it justified their displacement and loss of land. The belief that American settlers had a divine right to expand often led to violent conflicts and forced removals, such as those seen in the Trail of Tears. As settlers moved westward under this ideology, Native Americans faced significant challenges in preserving their rights, culture, and ancestral lands amid increasing encroachment by settlers.
• Evaluate how Manifest Destiny shaped societal attitudes towards race and class within the United States during its peak.
  • Manifest Destiny significantly shaped societal attitudes towards race and class by promoting the idea that Anglo-Saxon Americans were superior and destined to rule over other races. This belief rationalized not only territorial expansion but also justified discriminatory policies against Native Americans and other non-white groups. As new territories were acquired, these attitudes contributed to systemic inequalities and fueled conflicts over slavery in these regions, ultimately affecting national unity leading up to the Civil War.

Related terms

Louisiana Purchase: A significant land acquisition in 1803 where the U.S. purchased a vast territory from France, doubling its size and paving the way for westward expansion.

Texas Annexation: The 1845 incorporation of the Republic of Texas into the United States, which was a pivotal event in the fulfillment of Manifest Destiny and led to the Mexican-American War.

Oregon Trail: A historic route used by thousands of settlers moving westward in the 1840s and 1850s, symbolizing the movement towards fulfilling Manifest Destiny.