Manifest Destiny

Definition

Manifest Destiny was a 19th-century doctrine that the expansion of the United States across the American continents was both justified and inevitable. This belief was rooted in a combination of nationalism, a sense of superiority, and the conviction that the U.S. had a divine right to expand its territory, which significantly influenced American imperialism and territorial acquisitions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Manifest Destiny was popularized in the 1840s and played a crucial role in justifying the U.S. annexation of Texas and the subsequent war with Mexico.
2. The concept was often linked to a belief in racial superiority, suggesting that Anglo-Saxon Americans were destined to bring civilization to 'lesser' peoples.
3. The idea contributed to tensions with Native Americans as settlers moved westward, leading to forced removals and violent conflicts.
4. Opponents of Manifest Destiny argued that it promoted imperialism and violated the rights of other nations and peoples.
5. The ideology fueled further expansion into territories such as Oregon and California, reshaping the geographic and political landscape of North America.

Review Questions

• How did the concept of Manifest Destiny influence U.S. foreign policy during the 19th century?
  • Manifest Destiny significantly shaped U.S. foreign policy by justifying territorial expansion as a moral imperative. This doctrine led to aggressive actions such as the annexation of Texas and the Mexican-American War, which resulted in vast land acquisitions. The belief that it was America's destiny to expand westward encouraged policymakers to pursue expansionist strategies, often at the expense of indigenous populations and neighboring countries.
• Evaluate the impact of Manifest Destiny on Native American populations during westward expansion.
  • Manifest Destiny had devastating effects on Native American populations as it spurred widespread migration into their lands. This influx often led to violent confrontations and forced removals, as settlers claimed land for farming and settlement. The belief in American superiority under Manifest Destiny justified these actions, disregarding Native American rights and cultures, resulting in significant loss of life, land, and heritage for many indigenous groups.
• Analyze how Manifest Destiny contributed to sectional tensions within the United States leading up to the Civil War.
  • Manifest Destiny exacerbated sectional tensions by intensifying debates over the extension of slavery into newly acquired territories. As new lands were incorporated into the U.S., conflicts arose between free states and slave states about whether these territories would permit slavery. The resulting discord contributed to political polarization and ultimately played a role in the events leading up to the Civil War, showcasing how this ideology not only facilitated expansion but also deepened divisions within the nation.

Related terms

Expansionism: A policy of territorial or economic expansion, often pursued by nations seeking to increase their influence or power.

American Exceptionalism: The idea that the United States has a unique mission to spread democracy and freedom, which often justified its expansionist policies.

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo: The 1848 treaty that ended the Mexican-American War, resulting in the U.S. acquiring a significant portion of Mexico's northern territories, reflecting the principles of Manifest Destiny.