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 North America. This ideology justified the westward expansion, encouraging settlers to move into new territories, which they viewed as a part of their national mission to spread democracy and civilization. The concept also influenced how colonial settlements were established and perceived in relation to Indigenous peoples and other nations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Manifest Destiny emerged as a significant ideology in the 1840s, reflecting the belief that Americans were destined by God to expand their territory.
2. The phrase 'Manifest Destiny' was coined by journalist John L. O'Sullivan in 1845, emphasizing the nation's mission to spread democracy and civilization.
3. The idea of Manifest Destiny contributed to numerous conflicts, including the Mexican-American War, as the U.S. sought to acquire vast territories in the southwest.
4. As settlers moved westward under the banner of Manifest Destiny, this expansion often led to violent confrontations with Native American tribes who were forcibly removed from their lands.
5. Manifest Destiny not only shaped policies related to territorial acquisition but also influenced social attitudes toward race and ethnicity, reinforcing notions of American exceptionalism.

Review Questions

• How did the ideology of Manifest Destiny influence the settlement patterns of colonial America?
  • Manifest Destiny significantly influenced settlement patterns by promoting the belief that Americans had a divine right to occupy and cultivate land across North America. This belief encouraged settlers to move westward, often leading to the establishment of new towns and farms in previously uninhabited areas. The drive for expansion fostered a sense of urgency among settlers to claim land and resources, while also disregarding the rights and existence of Indigenous populations already living there.
• What were some consequences of Manifest Destiny for Indigenous populations and other nations?
  • The consequences of Manifest Destiny for Indigenous populations included widespread displacement, violence, and cultural disruption as settlers encroached on their lands. Policies like the Indian Removal Act exemplified how this ideology justified actions that led to forced relocations and loss of ancestral territory. Additionally, Manifest Destiny heightened tensions with neighboring nations, particularly Mexico, as territorial ambitions resulted in conflicts such as the Mexican-American War, leading to significant territorial changes in North America.
• Evaluate how Manifest Destiny shaped U.S. identity and policies towards expansion during the 19th century.
  • Manifest Destiny played a crucial role in shaping U.S. identity by fostering a sense of American exceptionalism and purpose tied to territorial expansion. This ideology influenced government policies such as land grants and military actions aimed at securing new territories. As Americans embraced this belief, it justified aggressive expansionist policies that often came at the expense of Indigenous peoples and other nations. The resulting changes not only redrew geographical boundaries but also altered social dynamics and national identity through an increasingly diverse population resulting from migration.

Related terms

Westward Expansion: The movement of settlers and immigrants into the American West during the 19th century, which was driven by the belief in Manifest Destiny.

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

Indian Removal Act: A law enacted in 1830 that authorized the forced relocation of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands to designated Indian Territory, exemplifying the impact of Manifest Destiny.