Manifest Destiny

Definition

Manifest Destiny was a 19th-century belief that American expansion across the continent was both justified and inevitable. This ideology fueled American interest in territories like New Mexico, particularly during the period leading up to and following the Mexican-American War, influencing political decisions, military actions, and settlement patterns in newly acquired lands.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Manifest Destiny was rooted in the belief that the United States was destined by God to expand its territory across North America, spreading democracy and capitalism.
2. The concept gained significant traction in the 1840s and was used to justify the annexation of Texas and the subsequent war with Mexico.
3. Following the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, Manifest Destiny facilitated Anglo-American migration into New Mexico, significantly altering its demographics and culture.
4. Manifest Destiny contributed to tensions with Indigenous peoples as settlers encroached on their lands, leading to conflicts and displacement.
5. The influence of Manifest Destiny can still be seen today in discussions about American identity and territorial expansion.

Review Questions

• How did Manifest Destiny shape American attitudes toward territorial expansion during the 19th century?
  • Manifest Destiny fostered a belief among Americans that it was their divine right to expand westward. This ideology led to widespread support for territorial acquisitions, including New Mexico. As a result, Americans viewed westward expansion as a moral imperative, driving political and military actions that culminated in conflicts like the Mexican-American War. The consequences were profound as they altered not only borders but also cultural landscapes across the continent.
• In what ways did the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo reflect the principles of Manifest Destiny?
  • The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was a direct outcome of Manifest Destiny as it resulted from the Mexican-American War fueled by the desire for territorial expansion. By ceding a large portion of Mexico’s northern territories to the United States, including New Mexico, the treaty fulfilled the expansionist dreams of many Americans who believed it was their destiny to control these lands. This acquisition transformed the political landscape and set a precedent for future expansionist policies.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of Manifest Destiny on New Mexico's development and cultural identity in the United States.
  • The long-term impacts of Manifest Destiny on New Mexico are significant. Following American acquisition through treaties and military actions, there was an influx of Anglo-American settlers which reshaped local governance, economy, and culture. This shift often marginalized Indigenous populations and established tensions among different cultural groups. Today, New Mexico's identity reflects this complex history as it balances its Hispanic heritage with Anglo influences, highlighting ongoing discussions about cultural integration and state identity.

Related terms

Mexican-American War: A conflict between the United States and Mexico from 1846 to 1848, primarily triggered by the U.S. annexation of Texas and its desire for more territory.

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo: The 1848 treaty that ended the Mexican-American War, resulting in the U.S. acquiring vast territories including present-day California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico.

Anglo-American Settlers: European-American settlers who migrated to the western territories of the U.S., influencing local cultures and politics through their presence and governance.