Manifest destiny

Definition

Manifest destiny is the 19th-century doctrine that the expansion of the United States across the North American continent was both justified and inevitable. This belief was rooted in a sense of American exceptionalism, promoting the idea that the U.S. was destined to spread democracy and capitalism. It influenced both policies and attitudes towards westward expansion, impacting relations with Native American tribes and foreign territories.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Manifest destiny was coined in 1845 by journalist John L. O'Sullivan, who argued that it was America's right to expand its territory.
2. The concept justified actions such as the annexation of Texas in 1845 and the Oregon Trail migration, which led to significant territorial gains for the U.S.
3. Manifest destiny fueled conflicts with Native American tribes, as expansion often meant forced removal and loss of their lands.
4. The belief also contributed to tensions with Mexico, culminating in the Mexican-American War (1846-1848), which resulted in large territorial acquisitions for the U.S.
5. Critics of manifest destiny argued that it led to imperialism and violated the rights of indigenous peoples, sparking debates about morality and justice in U.S. expansion.

Review Questions

• How did manifest destiny shape U.S. foreign policy and relations with neighboring countries during its peak?
  • Manifest destiny heavily influenced U.S. foreign policy by promoting aggressive expansionist tactics. This belief justified actions such as the annexation of Texas and the war with Mexico, as Americans felt entitled to these territories. The notion of manifest destiny not only fostered a sense of nationalism but also created tension with neighboring countries, particularly Mexico, which faced territorial losses as a result.
• Evaluate the impact of manifest destiny on Native American populations during the westward expansion.
  • The impact of manifest destiny on Native American populations was devastating as it legitimized their displacement and removal from ancestral lands. As settlers moved westward in search of new opportunities, many tribes faced violence, broken treaties, and forced relocations, leading to significant loss of life and culture. This ideology framed indigenous peoples as obstacles to progress, facilitating policies that marginalized their rights and identities.
• Discuss how the ideology of manifest destiny influenced debates over slavery and contributed to sectional tensions leading up to the Civil War.
  • The ideology of manifest destiny played a critical role in escalating debates over slavery as new territories were acquired through expansion. As settlers moved into these areas, questions arose about whether they would be free or slave states. This heightened sectional tensions between the North and South, ultimately contributing to conflicts like the Kansas-Nebraska Act and deepening divisions that culminated in the Civil War. Manifest destiny thus not only reshaped national borders but also intensified conflicting interests over slavery and states' rights.

Related terms

American Exceptionalism: The belief that the United States has a unique mission to promote democracy and freedom, often used to justify expansionist policies.

Westward Expansion: The period during the 19th century when the U.S. expanded its territory westward, significantly impacting Native American populations and the landscape of North America.

Homestead Act: A law passed in 1862 that encouraged westward migration by providing settlers with land, further promoting the idea of manifest destiny.