Manifest Destiny

Definition

Manifest Destiny is the 19th-century belief that it was the divine right and destiny of the United States to expand its territory across the North American continent. This idea not only justified westward expansion but also influenced the nation's political, social, and cultural development during this period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The term 'Manifest Destiny' was coined by journalist John L. O'Sullivan in 1845, encapsulating the belief that America was destined to expand its territory.
2. This ideology played a significant role in the annexation of Texas in 1845 and further territorial gains through the Mexican-American War.
3. Manifest Destiny fueled conflicts with Native American tribes as settlers moved westward, leading to violent confrontations and forced relocations.
4. The belief also contributed to tensions between free and slave states as new territories were acquired, intensifying the debate over slavery's expansion.
5. The concept not only shaped American policies but also had lasting effects on U.S.-Mexico relations and indigenous populations across the continent.

Review Questions

• How did the idea of Manifest Destiny influence U.S. foreign policy during the mid-19th century?
  • Manifest Destiny significantly influenced U.S. foreign policy by justifying expansionist actions such as the annexation of Texas and the pursuit of territories from Mexico. The belief that it was America's divine right to expand led to aggressive negotiations and military engagements aimed at acquiring land. This mindset created a precedent for future interventions in foreign nations under the guise of spreading democracy and civilization.
• In what ways did Manifest Destiny affect the relationship between different regions of the United States, particularly regarding slavery?
  • Manifest Destiny intensified regional tensions between the North and South as new territories were acquired. The question of whether these new lands would be free or slave states became a contentious issue, contributing to conflicts like the Missouri Compromise and the Compromise of 1850. This ideological divide exacerbated sectionalism, ultimately leading to increased polarization that would culminate in the Civil War.
• Evaluate how Manifest Destiny contributed to both American expansion and the suffering of indigenous populations during this period.
  • Manifest Destiny fueled American expansion by promoting the notion that settlers had a right to occupy and cultivate lands westward. However, this expansion came at a grave cost to indigenous populations, who faced violent displacement, loss of land, and cultural erasure. As settlers encroached on their territories, many Native American tribes experienced devastating consequences, including broken treaties and forced removals, illustrating how this ideology fostered a narrative that prioritized American growth over human rights.

Related terms

American Exceptionalism:

The belief that the United States is inherently different from other nations, often linked to the idea of a unique mission to spread democracy and freedom.

Homestead Act:

A law passed in 1862 that provided 160 acres of public land to settlers for a small fee, encouraging westward migration.

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo:

The 1848 treaty that ended the Mexican-American War, resulting in the U.S. acquisition of present-day California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and parts of Colorado and New Mexico.