Manifest destiny

Definition

Manifest destiny is a 19th-century doctrine that the expansion of the United States across the American continents was both justified and inevitable. This belief was rooted in a sense of American exceptionalism, where the U.S. was seen as destined to spread democracy and capitalism across the entire continent, often at the expense of Indigenous peoples and other nations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Manifest destiny was coined in the 1840s and became a driving ideology behind U.S. territorial expansion, influencing events like the annexation of Texas and the Oregon Trail migration.
2. The belief in manifest destiny was used to justify the displacement of Native American tribes and the war with Mexico, which resulted in significant territorial gains for the U.S.
3. This doctrine reinforced racial and cultural superiority notions, as many proponents believed that Americans were divinely ordained to spread their values.
4. Opposition to manifest destiny came from various groups, including abolitionists who saw it as an expansion of slavery and Native American advocates fighting for their rights.
5. The impact of manifest destiny can still be seen today in ongoing discussions about land use, indigenous rights, and America's role on the global stage.

Review Questions

• How did manifest destiny influence U.S. policies towards Native Americans during the 19th century?
  • Manifest destiny had a profound impact on U.S. policies towards Native Americans, leading to widespread displacement and suffering. The ideology justified actions like the Indian Removal Act, which forced tribes from their ancestral lands to make way for settlers. As Americans moved westward under this belief, it often resulted in violent confrontations and treaties that were unfavorable to Indigenous peoples, fundamentally altering their way of life.
• Evaluate how the concept of manifest destiny affected U.S.-Mexico relations in the 19th century.
  • The concept of manifest destiny played a critical role in shaping U.S.-Mexico relations, particularly during the 1840s when tensions escalated over territorial disputes. The belief that it was America's destiny to expand led to the annexation of Texas and ultimately triggered the Mexican-American War. The conflict resulted in significant territorial gains for the U.S., including present-day California, Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of several other states, while leaving lasting tensions between the two nations.
• Critically analyze the long-term consequences of manifest destiny on contemporary American identity and policy.
  • The long-term consequences of manifest destiny are deeply woven into contemporary American identity and policy. The belief in a divinely ordained mission has evolved into a sense of American exceptionalism, influencing foreign policy decisions and justifications for intervention abroad. Additionally, historical injustices against Native Americans and other marginalized groups continue to resonate today, prompting discussions about reparative justice, land rights, and cultural recognition. Understanding manifest destiny allows for critical engagement with these ongoing issues in American society.

Related terms

American Exceptionalism: The idea that the United States is inherently different from other nations, with a unique mission to promote democracy and freedom.

Territorial Expansion: The process through which a state increases its territory, often through colonization, warfare, or treaties.

Indian Removal Act: A law passed in 1830 that authorized the forced relocation of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands to designated territories west of the Mississippi River.