Manifest destiny

Definition

Manifest destiny was the 19th-century doctrine that the expansion of the United States throughout the American continents was both justified and inevitable. This belief significantly influenced various aspects of American culture, including art, as it reflected a sense of nationalism and the idea that the U.S. had a divine right to expand its territory.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The term 'manifest destiny' was first coined by journalist John L. O'Sullivan in 1845, emphasizing America's divine right to expand.
2. Artists used their work to promote the idea of manifest destiny, often portraying landscapes that showcased the beauty and potential of the American West.
3. Manifest destiny justified not only territorial expansion but also the displacement of Native American populations, reflecting a darker side to this ideology.
4. The belief in manifest destiny played a key role in events such as the Texas Annexation, the Oregon Trail migration, and the Mexican-American War.
5. The concept influenced various artistic movements, contributing to themes of nationalism and spirituality, particularly in the works of Hudson River School artists.

Review Questions

• How did manifest destiny influence artistic expressions during the 19th century?
  • Manifest destiny inspired artists to create works that celebrated the vastness and beauty of the American landscape while promoting the idea of westward expansion. Artists such as those from the Hudson River School depicted majestic scenes of nature that symbolized national pride and progress. This connection between art and the belief in manifest destiny helped shape public perception and fostered a collective identity around expansion.
• Discuss how manifest destiny relates to themes of nationalism and spirituality found in 19th-century American art.
  • Manifest destiny infused American art with strong nationalist sentiments, as artists portrayed landscapes that were not just beautiful but also emblematic of America's perceived divine mission. The reverence for nature depicted in these works often reflected spiritual themes, suggesting that the land was a gift meant for Americans to cultivate. This intersection highlights how deeply intertwined national identity and spiritual beliefs were during this period.
• Evaluate the impact of manifest destiny on American society and its implications for indigenous populations and other nations during its height.
  • Manifest destiny had profound impacts on American society, fueling territorial expansion that often resulted in violent confrontations with indigenous populations and neighboring countries. This ideology justified actions such as forced removals and wars, fundamentally altering the landscape and demographics of North America. While it fostered a sense of unity and purpose among many Americans, it also laid bare moral contradictions regarding land rights and cultural erasure for those affected by U.S. expansionism.

Related terms

American Exceptionalism:

The belief that the United States has a unique mission to spread democracy and freedom, often tied to notions of manifest destiny.

Expansionism: The policy of territorial or economic expansion, which was a central aspect of manifest destiny as it justified westward movement.

Frontier Thesis: The argument by historian Frederick Jackson Turner that American democracy was formed by the American frontier, emphasizing themes of individualism and democracy in relation to manifest destiny.