9.1 Manifest Destiny and U.S. interest in the Southwest
4 min read•july 30, 2024
drove U.S. expansion into the Southwest in the mid-1800s. This belief justified taking Native American lands and starting the , which gave the U.S. huge new territories.
The Southwest was seen as vital for economic and strategic reasons. Gold in California, trade routes to the Pacific, and the vision of a coast-to-coast nation fueled American interest in the region.
Manifest Destiny and U.S. Expansion
Concept and Justification
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- Manifest Destiny was a belief that the United States was destined by God to expand its territory and spread democracy and capitalism across the North American continent
- The concept was rooted in the idea of American exceptionalism which held that the United States was a unique and superior nation with a special mission to spread its values and way of life
- Manifest Destiny was used to justify U.S. territorial expansion including the acquisition of Texas, the Oregon Territory, and the Mexican Cession
- The concept was closely tied to the idea of the "White Man's Burden" which held that it was the duty of white Americans to "civilize" and Christianize Native American and other non-white populations
Impact and Legacy
- Manifest Destiny was used to justify the forced removal of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands as well as the suppression of their cultures and ways of life
- The belief contributed to the outbreak of the Mexican-American War (1846-1848) which resulted in the acquisition of vast territories in the Southwest including California and New Mexico
- The concept had a lasting impact on U.S. foreign policy and helped to shape the country's identity as a continental power
- Manifest Destiny set the stage for further U.S. expansion and intervention in the Americas and beyond in the late 19th and early 20th centuries (Spanish-American War, Panama Canal)
Factors Driving U.S. Interest in the Southwest
Economic and Strategic Considerations
- The Southwest was seen as a vital region for U.S. economic and strategic interests particularly after the discovery of gold in California in 1848
- The U.S. government sought to secure trade routes to the Pacific Ocean and to establish a strong military presence in the region to protect American interests
- The U.S. government sought to establish control over the Southwest in order to protect American economic interests particularly in the mining and agriculture sectors (gold, silver, fertile farmland)
- The acquisition of the Southwest was also driven by political considerations as U.S. leaders sought to extend the reach of American democracy and to counter the influence of European powers in the region
Ideological and Social Factors
- The acquisition of the Southwest was seen as necessary to fulfill the vision of a continental United States stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific
- The concept of Manifest Destiny provided an ideological justification for U.S. expansionism in the Southwest by framing it as a divine mission
- The presence of large numbers of American settlers in the Southwest particularly in Texas and California created pressure for the U.S. government to annex these territories
- Some Americans believed that the United States had a moral obligation to spread its values and way of life to the "uncivilized" peoples of the Southwest (Native Americans, Mexicans)
Impact of Expansionism on Native Americans
Displacement and Cultural Destruction
- U.S. expansionism in the Southwest had a devastating impact on Native American tribes who were forced off their ancestral lands and onto reservations
- The acquisition of the Southwest by the United States led to the and forced relocation of numerous Native American tribes including the Navajo, Apache, and Comanche
- The loss of traditional lands and the destruction of Native American cultures and ways of life had a profound and lasting impact on the tribes of the Southwest
- The forced relocation of Native Americans onto reservations led to widespread poverty, disease, and social dysfunction
- The suppression of Native American languages and cultural practices contributed to the erosion of tribal identities and the loss of traditional knowledge
Conflicts and Resistance
- U.S. policies towards Native Americans in the Southwest were characterized by a combination of military force, treaty negotiations, and efforts
- The U.S. government sought to "civilize" Native Americans by forcing them to adopt Western dress, language, and cultural practices and by sending their children to boarding schools (Carlisle Indian School)
- U.S. expansionism in the Southwest also led to the outbreak of numerous conflicts between Native American tribes and the U.S. military including the and the
- Some Native American leaders resisted U.S. expansion through diplomacy and military action (, ) while others sought to adapt to the changing circumstances ()
- The legacy of U.S. expansionism in the Southwest continues to shape the lives of Native American communities in the region to this day with ongoing struggles over land rights, cultural preservation, and political sovereignty
Key Terms to Review (24)
Apache Tribe: The Apache Tribe refers to a group of culturally related Native American tribes that originated in the Southwestern United States, known for their distinct languages and nomadic lifestyle. The Apaches were primarily hunter-gatherers and engaged in raiding and trading, which shaped their social structure and interactions with other tribes and European settlers during the era of U.S. westward expansion.
Apache Wars: The Apache Wars were a series of armed conflicts between various Apache groups and the United States military, primarily occurring in the late 19th century. These conflicts were driven by cultural clashes, resistance to U.S. expansion, and the desire of the U.S. government to subdue the Apache tribes and secure control over Southwestern territories.
Assimilation: Assimilation is the process by which individuals or groups from one culture adopt the beliefs, values, and behaviors of another culture, often leading to the loss of their original cultural identity. This term is closely tied to the historical context of U.S. expansion and policies toward Native Americans, particularly in the Southwest, as the government aimed to integrate Indigenous peoples into mainstream American society while undermining their unique cultural practices.
Ceremonial rituals: Ceremonial rituals are structured, often repetitive actions performed for symbolic purposes, typically within cultural or religious contexts. These rituals serve to mark important events, connect individuals to their community, and convey shared beliefs and values. In the context of U.S. expansion into the Southwest, these rituals reflect the cultural significance of both Native American traditions and the encroaching Western ideologies that shaped interactions between different groups.
Cochise: Cochise was a prominent leader of the Chiricahua Apache tribe, known for his resistance against U.S. expansion into Apache territory during the mid-19th century. He played a crucial role in shaping the identity of the Apache people and leading them in their struggles against colonization, embodying the distinct cultural identities and social structures of the various Apache groups.
Colonialism: Colonialism is a practice in which a country establishes control over a foreign territory, often by settling its people there and exploiting resources for economic gain. This system typically involves the domination of one culture over another, leading to significant changes in social structures, economies, and cultures of the colonized regions.
Displacement: Displacement refers to the forced removal or relocation of a group of people from their homeland or territory, often due to external pressures such as war, colonization, or government policies. This phenomenon can lead to significant cultural, social, and economic upheaval for the affected communities, as they struggle to adapt to new environments while facing the loss of their ancestral lands and ways of life.
Geronimo: Geronimo was a prominent leader and shaman of the Apache tribe, known for his fierce resistance against the Mexican and later American expansion into Apache territory during the late 19th century. His life symbolized the struggle of Native Americans to maintain their culture, land, and way of life amid increasing encroachment by settlers and military forces.
Indian Removal Act: The Indian Removal Act was a law passed by the U.S. Congress in 1830 that authorized the forced relocation of Native American tribes from their ancestral homelands in the southeastern United States to designated areas west of the Mississippi River. This act reflects the broader patterns of warfare, resistance, and the pursuit of land and resources by the U.S. government during a time marked by expansionist ideology and military presence.
John L. O'Sullivan: John L. O'Sullivan was a prominent American journalist and editor in the 19th century, best known for coining the term 'Manifest Destiny.' He argued that it was the United States' divine right and destiny to expand its territory across the North American continent. His ideas played a critical role in shaping U.S. attitudes toward westward expansion and the annexation of territories, especially in the context of U.S. interests in the Southwest.
Land allotment: Land allotment refers to the policy of distributing individual plots of land to Native Americans, aimed at breaking up communal landholdings and promoting individual ownership. This concept played a significant role in U.S. expansionist policies, particularly in the context of assimilating Native Americans into mainstream American society and altering their traditional ways of life.
Manifest destiny: Manifest destiny was a 19th-century doctrine that justified the expansion of the United States across the North American continent, based on the belief that this expansion was both inevitable and divinely ordained. This idea significantly influenced U.S. policy and actions, particularly in relation to territorial acquisition and interactions with Native American tribes in the Southwest.
Manuelito: Manuelito was a prominent Navajo leader in the mid-19th century, known for his role as a chief and a key figure during significant historical events affecting the Navajo Nation. His leadership was crucial in navigating the challenges brought on by American expansion and the U.S. government's policies, which often disregarded Navajo rights and sovereignty. He is remembered for advocating for his people and striving to maintain their traditions and autonomy amidst encroaching pressures from settlers and the federal government.
Mexican-American War: The Mexican-American War was a conflict between the United States and Mexico from 1846 to 1848, primarily over territorial disputes following the U.S. annexation of Texas. This war significantly impacted the boundaries and political landscape of the Southwest, setting the stage for U.S. expansion and relations with Native American tribes.
Navajo Long Walk: The Navajo Long Walk refers to the forced relocation of the Navajo people by the U.S. government in the 1860s, during which thousands were marched from their ancestral homelands to a desolate area called Bosque Redondo in New Mexico. This tragic event was part of a broader strategy linked to territorial expansion and control, where Native Americans were often seen as obstacles to Manifest Destiny and U.S. interests in the Southwest.
Navajo Nation: The Navajo Nation is a sovereign Native American territory that encompasses a vast area across northeastern Arizona, northwestern New Mexico, and southeastern Utah. It represents the largest land area retained by a Native American tribe in the United States and embodies a rich cultural heritage intertwined with complex historical experiences, governance, and contemporary challenges.
Resource extraction: Resource extraction refers to the process of obtaining raw materials or natural resources from the environment, often for economic gain. This practice can significantly impact local communities and ecosystems, especially in regions rich in minerals, oil, and other valuable resources. In various contexts, resource extraction raises issues related to sustainability, environmental degradation, and the rights of indigenous populations.
Sand Creek Massacre: The Sand Creek Massacre was a brutal attack that took place on November 29, 1864, when a group of Colorado U.S. volunteer soldiers attacked a peaceful Cheyenne and Arapaho camp near Sand Creek. This event is a stark example of the violent conflicts between Native Americans and U.S. settlers, highlighting the impact of Manifest Destiny as American expansionism often led to violent confrontations in the Southwest, pushing Indigenous peoples further from their lands and rights.
Stephen F. Austin: Stephen F. Austin, known as the 'Father of Texas', was an American empresario who played a crucial role in the settlement of Texas during the early 19th century. He led the first successful colonization of the region by bringing American settlers into Mexican Texas, and his actions significantly influenced the relationship between Texas and the Mexican government, contributing to the broader narrative of expansionism and Manifest Destiny.
Texas Revolution: The Texas Revolution was a rebellion between 1835 and 1836 in which Texas colonists fought for independence from Mexico. This conflict marked the end of Mexican rule in Texas and laid the foundation for the future annexation of Texas by the United States. The revolution's outcomes significantly contributed to the shifting power dynamics in the Southwest and intensified U.S. interest in territorial expansion.
Traditional agriculture: Traditional agriculture refers to the long-established methods of farming that are often passed down through generations, relying on indigenous knowledge and local resources. This type of agriculture is deeply connected to the cultural and spiritual practices of the communities that practice it, playing a crucial role in their identity and social structure. It emphasizes sustainability, biodiversity, and community resilience, particularly in the context of U.S. expansion into the Southwest.
Treaty of Fort Laramie: The Treaty of Fort Laramie, signed in 1851, was an agreement between the United States and several Native American tribes to establish peace and define territorial boundaries in the Great Plains region. This treaty marked a significant moment in the U.S. government's approach to Native American relations, reflecting both the desire for westward expansion and the conflicting interests of various tribes in the face of increasing American settlement.
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo: The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed on February 2, 1848, marking the end of the Mexican-American War and resulting in Mexico ceding a significant portion of its northern territory to the United States. This treaty not only redefined the geographical and political boundaries of the American Southwest but also had lasting impacts on the indigenous groups living in these newly acquired lands.
Westward Expansion: Westward expansion refers to the 19th-century movement of settlers and immigrants into the western territories of the United States, driven by the belief in Manifest Destiny. This period was marked by the acquisition of new lands, significant migration, and the displacement of Native American tribes, deeply affecting the culture and demographics of the Southwest region.