Manifest destiny

Definition

Manifest destiny is the 19th-century doctrine that the expansion of the United States across the American continents was both justified and inevitable. This idea not only reflected a nationalistic spirit but also intertwined with notions of American exceptionalism, suggesting that the U.S. was destined to spread democracy and civilization. It often had significant implications for the nation's policies towards indigenous populations and foreign territories.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Manifest destiny was a phrase coined in 1845 by journalist John L. O'Sullivan, emphasizing the belief that America was destined to expand its territory across the continent.
2. The doctrine justified the forced removal of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands through policies like the Indian Removal Act of 1830.
3. Manifest destiny fueled conflicts with other nations, most notably Mexico, leading to wars and territorial disputes over land in the southwest.
4. It contributed to debates over slavery as new territories were acquired, raising questions about whether they would be free or slave states.
5. The concept played a critical role in shaping American identity and foreign policy throughout the 19th century and beyond.

Review Questions

• How did manifest destiny influence U.S. policies towards Native Americans during the 19th century?
  • Manifest destiny significantly influenced U.S. policies towards Native Americans by promoting the idea that it was justifiable to displace indigenous peoples to make way for American settlers. This led to policies like the Indian Removal Act of 1830, which forcibly relocated numerous tribes from their homelands to designated 'Indian Territory' west of the Mississippi River. As a result, countless Native Americans faced loss of land, culture, and life due to this expansionist mindset.
• Analyze how manifest destiny contributed to tensions between the United States and Mexico in the mid-1800s.
  • Manifest destiny heightened tensions between the United States and Mexico by encouraging American settlers to move into Mexican territories like Texas, where they sought independence from Mexican rule. This conflict ultimately led to the Mexican-American War (1846-1848), fueled by the belief that U.S. expansion was not only desirable but divinely ordained. The war concluded with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which ceded large portions of Mexican land to the U.S., further affirming the doctrine's influence on national policy.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of manifest destiny on American society and its implications for future territorial expansion and conflicts.
  • The long-term effects of manifest destiny on American society are profound and multifaceted, fostering a national identity centered around expansion and exceptionalism. This doctrine laid groundwork for future territorial acquisitions such as Alaska and Hawaii and contributed to significant conflicts like those over slavery in newly acquired territories. The legacy of manifest destiny also set a precedent for later imperialistic actions, reflecting an ongoing belief in America's mission to spread democracy globally while simultaneously creating deep divisions along racial and cultural lines domestically.

Related terms

American exceptionalism: The belief that the United States is inherently different from other nations, often due to its unique origins, democratic ideals, and commitment to individual freedom.

Westward Expansion: The period during the 19th century when settlers moved westward into territories previously inhabited by Native Americans and other nations, driven by the belief in manifest destiny.

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo: The treaty that ended the Mexican-American War in 1848, resulting in significant territorial gains for the United States, including present-day California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.