Manifest Destiny: The Idea That Shaped America

Manifest Destiny was a term used in the 19th century to describe the belief that it was the United States’ destiny to expand its territory and spread American ideals across the continent. The idea of Manifest Destiny was based on the belief in American exceptionalism and the idea that the United States was a chosen nation with a divine mission to extend its influence across the world.

The phrase “Manifest Destiny” was first used by John L. O’Sullivan in 1845, the same year Texas was annexed to the United States. In an article for the Democratic Review, O’Sullivan wrote that it was America’s “Manifest Destiny to overspread the continent allotted by Providence for the free development of our yearly multiplying millions”. This idea quickly caught on, and it became a popular concept among Americans who believed that the United States was destined to become a great nation.

Manifest Destiny was used as a justification for westward expansion and territorial acquisition. During the 19th century, the United States acquired vast territories, including Texas, California, Oregon, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah, through a combination of treaties, purchases, and military conquest. This expansion was seen as a natural and necessary step in the development of the United States.

Many Americans believed that the annexation of new territories would bring economic prosperity and secure the future of the country. They saw the westward expansion as an opportunity to create new markets, acquire fertile land, and access valuable resources. The acquisition of California, for example, brought in vast amounts of gold and silver, which helped fuel the economy of the United States.

However, the westward expansion also had a significant impact on the native populations in the areas being annexed. The policy of Indian removal resulted in the forced relocation of thousands of Native Americans from their ancestral lands to remote reservations in the west. The United States government also engaged in a series of wars with the indigenous people, which resulted in the deaths of many Native Americans.

Manifest Destiny became an important part of American national identity during the 19th century. It helped create a sense of unity among Americans and promoted the idea of a shared mission to build a great nation. The idea of Manifest Destiny also helped consolidate political support for the expansionist policies of the United States government.

However, Manifest Destiny has also been criticized as a justification for imperialism and colonialism. The idea that the United States had a divine right to expand its territory and impose its values on other nations was seen by many as arrogant and dangerous. The policy of westward expansion also had a significant impact on the environment and the natural resources of the United States.

In conclusion, Manifest Destiny was a powerful idea that shaped the history of the United States. It helped create a sense of identity and a shared mission among Americans, but it also had a significant impact on the native populations and the environment. Today, the legacy of Manifest Destiny continues to be debated and is an important part of American history.

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