Manifest Destiny

Definition

Manifest Destiny is the 19th-century belief that the expansion of the United States across the American continent was both justified and inevitable. This ideology framed westward expansion as a divine right and duty of Americans, promoting the idea that it was their destiny to spread democracy and civilization. Manifest Destiny played a significant role in American exceptionalism and also contributed to various conflicts as it often disregarded the rights and existence of Indigenous peoples and other nations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Manifest Destiny emerged in the 1840s and was used to justify territorial expansion, including the annexation of Texas and the Oregon Trail migration.
2. The phrase 'Manifest Destiny' was coined by journalist John L. O'Sullivan in 1845, emphasizing America's supposed divine right to expand its territory.
3. The ideology led to significant conflicts, such as the Mexican-American War, as it promoted aggressive expansionism at the expense of other nations' sovereignty.
4. Manifest Destiny contributed to the displacement of Native American tribes, resulting in widespread suffering and loss of land for Indigenous peoples.
5. The concept fueled nationalistic sentiments, reinforcing the idea that the U.S. had a special role in promoting democracy and civilization throughout North America.

Review Questions

• How did Manifest Destiny contribute to the ideology of American exceptionalism during the 19th century?
  • Manifest Destiny reinforced American exceptionalism by portraying the United States as a nation with a divine mission to spread democracy and civilization. This belief created a narrative that justified westward expansion as not only a right but a responsibility. It instilled pride in Americans, suggesting that their nation's growth was part of a larger moral purpose, thus intertwining national identity with territorial expansion.
• Discuss the impact of Manifest Destiny on Indigenous populations and how it influenced U.S. policy during this period.
  • Manifest Destiny had devastating consequences for Indigenous populations, as it justified their displacement and led to policies such as the Indian Removal Act. This act facilitated the forced relocation of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands, resulting in loss of life, culture, and autonomy. The ideology fostered a climate where Indigenous rights were overlooked in favor of expansionist goals, reflecting broader themes of conflict between settlers and Native communities.
• Evaluate the role of Manifest Destiny in shaping U.S.-Mexico relations during the 19th century, particularly regarding territorial disputes.
  • Manifest Destiny played a crucial role in escalating tensions between the United States and Mexico, ultimately leading to the Mexican-American War. The belief that Americans were destined to occupy all lands from coast to coast encouraged aggressive policies toward Mexico, particularly regarding territories like Texas and California. This conflict resulted not only in significant territorial gains for the U.S. but also highlighted issues related to national identity, imperialism, and moral justification for war during this transformative period in American history.

Related terms

American Exceptionalism: The belief that the United States has a unique mission to spread democracy and freedom, stemming from its history and values.

Westward Expansion: The period during the 19th century when Americans moved westward to settle new territories, driven by economic opportunities and the ideology of Manifest Destiny.

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