What is Manifest Destiny | Manifest Destiny In History | Manifest Destiny Significance | Manifest Destiny Impact | Examples of How Manifest Destiny
What is Manifest Destiny?
Manifest Destiny is a term that refers to a 19th-century belief held by many Americans that the United States was destined to expand its territory across the entire North American continent. The concept of Manifest Destiny was deeply rooted in the ideology of American exceptionalism and the belief that the United States was a unique and superior nation with a divine mission to spread its values and civilization to the rest of the world. In this article, we will explore the history, significance, and impact of Manifest Destiny.
Manifest Destiny In History
Manifest Destiny emerged as a popular concept in the 1840s and 1850s, a period of great territorial expansion for the United States. The Louisiana Purchase in 1803, the Mexican-American War of 1846-1848, and the acquisition of Alaska in 1867 all contributed to the growth of the United States' territory. Supporters of Manifest Destiny believed that the expansion of American territory was not only desirable but also inevitable.
Let me tell you, The idea of Manifest Destiny was also fueled by religious beliefs. Many Americans believed that they had a divine mandate to spread Christianity and democracy throughout the world. This belief was often accompanied by a sense of racial superiority, with white Americans considering themselves to be the chosen people who were destined to rule over others.
Manifest Destiny Significance
The significance of Manifest Destiny lies in its impact on American history and identity. The concept of Manifest Destiny was used to justify the expansion of American territory, often at the expense of Native American populations. The forced removal of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands and the displacement of thousands of people is a dark chapter in American history that cannot be ignored.
Manifest Destiny also had a profound impact on American identity. The belief that the United States was a unique and exceptional nation with a divine mission to spread its values and civilization to the rest of the world has persisted throughout American history. This belief has influenced American foreign policy, particularly in the 20th century, as the United States sought to spread democracy and capitalism around the world.
Manifest Destiny Impact
The impact of Manifest Destiny on American history is evident in the growth of American territory and the displacement of Native American populations. The forced removal of Native Americans from their lands and the creation of reservations is a legacy that continues to affect Native American communities to this day.
Manifest Destiny also had an impact on American culture and identity. The belief that the United States was a unique and exceptional nation with a divine mission to spread its values and civilization to the rest of the world has shaped American identity and influenced American foreign policy.
12 Examples of How Manifest Destiny Played Out In American History
1. Louisiana Purchase - In 1803, President Thomas Jefferson purchased the Louisiana Territory from France for $15 million, which doubled the size of the United States and provided more land for westward expansion.
2. Oregon Trail - In the mid-1800s, thousands of Americans traveled westward on the Oregon Trail in search of new opportunities and land to settle.
3. Texas Annexation - In 1845, Texas became the 28th state to join the United States, after a period of independence from Mexico.
4. Mexican-American War - From 1846 to 1848, the United States fought a war with Mexico, resulting in the annexation of California, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming.
5. California Gold Rush - In 1848, gold was discovered in California, attracting thousands of Americans to the region and leading to the development of new towns and cities.
6. Gadsden Purchase - In 1853, the United States purchased a strip of land from Mexico that is now part of Arizona and New Mexico, further expanding American territory.
7. Homestead Act - In 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Homestead Act, which provided free land to settlers willing to live on and improve it.
8. Dawes Act - In 1887, the Dawes Act was passed, which allowed the government to divide Native American land into individual parcels and give them to individual Native Americans. This led to the loss of much Native American land and the furthering of Manifest Destiny.
9. Spanish-American War - In 1898, the United States defeated Spain in a war that resulted in the acquisition of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.
10. Alaska Purchase - In 1867, the United States purchased Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million, further expanding American territory.
11. Hawaii Annexation - In 1898, the United States annexed Hawaii, making it a U.S. territory.
12. Open Door Policy - In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the United States promoted an Open Door Policy in China, which allowed for increased American trade and influence in Asia.
Final Thoughts
Let me tell you, Manifest Destiny was a powerful and influential concept in American history. The belief that the United States was destined to expand its territory and spread its values across the continent has had a profound impact on American culture, identity, and foreign policy. While the concept of Manifest Destiny has fallen out of favor in recent years, its legacy is still felt in American society today. As we reflect on our history and our values, it is important to remember the impact that Manifest Destiny has had on our nation and our world.
FAQ -
Q.1 What are 3 examples of Manifest Destiny?
Ans. Three examples of Manifest Destiny are -
1. Louisiana Purchase in 1803, which doubled the size of the United States and provided more land for westward expansion.
2. Mexican-American War from 1846 to 1848, which resulted in the annexation of California, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming.
3. Homestead Act of 1862, which provided free land to settlers willing to live on and improve it, furthering westward expansion and the ideology of Manifest Destiny.
Q.2 What are 2 things about Manifest Destiny?
Ans. Two things about Manifest Destiny -
1. Manifest Destiny was a widely held belief in the 19th century that it was the divine mission of the United States to expand westward across the North American continent, bringing democracy and civilization to the "uncivilized" peoples of the land.
2. The ideology of Manifest Destiny was used to justify a number of territorial acquisitions, including the Louisiana Purchase, the annexation of Texas, and the Mexican-American War, as well as the forced removal of Native American populations from their lands.
Q.3 What is an example of Manifest Destiny in a sentence?
Ans. Example sentence that includes the concept of Manifest Destiny -
"The doctrine of Manifest Destiny drove westward expansion in the 19th century, as Americans believed it was their divine mission to conquer and civilize the continent, resulting in the acquisition of new territories and the displacement of indigenous populations."
Q.4 Why was Manifest Destiny so significant?
Ans. Manifest Destiny was significant for several reasons:
1. It served as a unifying ideology for the United States during the 19th century, providing a sense of national purpose and identity.
2. It was used to justify westward expansion, which allowed the United States to acquire vast territories, resources, and wealth, and became an important part of American history and identity.
3. Manifest Destiny contributed to the displacement and subjugation of Native American populations, as well as the annexation of Texas and the acquisition of territories from Mexico, which had significant implications for American history and the broader region.
4. It played a role in the development of American political and economic systems, as westward expansion created new opportunities for trade, industry, and settlement, as well as shaping American ideas about democracy, freedom, and individualism.
Manifest Destiny helped to shape the course of American history and played a significant role in the country's development, both domestically and internationally.
Q.5 What benefits did Manifest Destiny have?
Ans. Manifest Destiny brought several benefits to the United States, including -
1. Expansion of Territory - Manifest Destiny was used to justify the acquisition of vast territories, such as the Louisiana Purchase, Texas, and the Mexican Cession, which significantly expanded the size of the United States and created new opportunities for settlement, trade, and industry.
2. Natural Resources - The acquisition of new territories also brought access to valuable natural resources, such as gold, silver, timber, and oil, which helped fuel the growth of the American economy.
3. National Unity - Manifest Destiny served as a unifying ideology for the United States, providing a shared sense of national purpose and identity that helped to bring together the country's diverse population.
4. Military and Strategic Advantages - The acquisition of new territories also brought military and strategic advantages to the United States, allowing it to control key trade routes, defend its borders, and project its power abroad.
5. Spread of Democracy - The ideology of Manifest Destiny was also used to justify the spread of democracy and the values of the American system of government, which many believed would benefit the "uncivilized" peoples of the newly acquired territories.
While Manifest Destiny also had significant negative consequences, including the displacement and subjugation of Native American populations, it cannot be denied that it brought important benefits to the United States as well.
