Manifest Destiny

Definition

Manifest Destiny is a 19th-century doctrine that held the belief that the expansion of the United States across the American continent was both justified and inevitable. This idea not only reflected a sense of American exceptionalism but also fueled territorial expansion and had profound implications for U.S.-Latin American relations, often leading to conflicts and territorial acquisitions at the expense of neighboring nations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Manifest Destiny was popularized in the 1840s and was used to justify westward expansion by claiming it was America's God-given right to expand its territory.
2. This ideology contributed to the annexation of Texas in 1845, which escalated tensions between the U.S. and Mexico.
3. The concept played a crucial role in the Mexican-American War, as advocates believed that conquering Mexican territories was part of fulfilling America's destiny.
4. The aftermath of Manifest Destiny resulted in significant territorial gains for the U.S., but it also led to conflicts with indigenous peoples and Latin American countries.
5. Critics of Manifest Destiny argued that it promoted imperialism and was rooted in racial superiority, as it often disregarded the rights of those who were already living in acquired territories.

Review Questions

• How did Manifest Destiny influence U.S. foreign policy towards Latin America during the 19th century?
  • Manifest Destiny significantly influenced U.S. foreign policy by promoting expansionist goals that often disregarded the sovereignty of Latin American nations. The belief in America's divine right to expand justified interventions and territorial acquisitions, such as the annexation of Texas and involvement in the Mexican-American War. This expansionist mindset not only shaped political relationships but also created tensions with neighboring countries as the U.S. sought to assert its dominance over the continent.
• Evaluate the impact of Manifest Destiny on U.S.-Mexico relations during the mid-19th century.
  • Manifest Destiny had a profound impact on U.S.-Mexico relations by fostering a sense of entitlement among Americans regarding territorial expansion. The ideology played a crucial role in justifying the annexation of Texas and subsequently led to the outbreak of the Mexican-American War. Following this conflict, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo resulted in significant territorial losses for Mexico, further straining relations between the two nations and establishing a legacy of mistrust that would influence future interactions.
• Assess how the ideology of Manifest Destiny contributed to social and political dynamics within Latin America during the period of U.S. expansion.
  • The ideology of Manifest Destiny not only shaped U.S. policy but also had significant social and political repercussions within Latin America. As the United States expanded its territory, it often imposed its values and systems on newly acquired regions, leading to cultural assimilation efforts that marginalized local populations. Additionally, this expansion encouraged nationalist sentiments in Latin American countries as they sought to resist perceived imperialism. The consequences included increased regional instability, economic exploitation, and heightened tensions between Latin American nations and the United States.

Related terms

American Exceptionalism: The belief that the United States has a unique mission to spread democracy and freedom, setting it apart from other nations.

Mexican-American War: A conflict between the United States and Mexico from 1846 to 1848, driven in part by the ideology of Manifest Destiny, which resulted in significant territorial gains for the U.S.

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo:

The treaty that ended the Mexican-American War in 1848, leading to Mexico ceding large territories, including present-day California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas to the United States.