What Does Manifest Destiny Mean

What Does Manifest Destiny Mean

Manifest destiny was a belief held by many Americans in the 19th century that the United States was destined to expand its territory from coast to coast. The term "manifest destiny" was coined by journalist John O'Sullivan in an article he wrote in 1845. O'Sullivan argued that it was the God-given right of Americans to expand their territory and spread their values and culture throughout the continent. The idea of manifest destiny became a driving force behind American expansionism and imperialism.

The origins of manifest destiny can be traced back to the early days of the American republic. The idea of westward expansion was first promoted by President Thomas Jefferson in the early 1800s. Jefferson believed that the United States should expand westward to the Pacific Ocean and create a "great empire of liberty" that would serve as a model for the rest of the world.

The concept of manifest destiny gained momentum in the 1840s, fueled in part by the Mexican-American War. The United States declared war on Mexico in 1846, and by the end of the conflict, the U.S. had acquired a vast amount of territory, including California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas, and Oklahoma.

The idea of manifest destiny was used to justify the expansion of slavery into these new territories. Many Southerners believed that the Constitution protected their right to take their slaves with them when they moved to new territories. They argued that slavery was essential to the economic success of the South and that without it, their way of life would be threatened.

Northerners, on the other hand, saw the expansion of slavery as a threat to the free labor system that was the foundation of their economy. They believed that the United States should be a land of opportunity for all, and that the institution of slavery was incompatible with the ideals of democracy and freedom.

The issue of slavery and westward expansion ultimately led to the Civil War, which erupted in 1861. The conflict pitted the Northern states against the Southern states and was fought over the issue of slavery and states' rights. The North emerged victorious, and slavery was abolished throughout the country with the passage of the 13th Amendment in 1865.

Although the concept of manifest destiny had lost its popularity by the end of the Civil War, the United States continued to expand its territory in the decades that followed. The U.S. acquired Alaska from Russia in 1867, and Hawaii was annexed in 1898. The United States also took control of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines as a result of the Spanish-American War in 1898.

The idea of manifest destiny has been both celebrated and criticized over the years. Some see it as a noble ideal that drove America's westward expansion and helped to spread democracy and freedom throughout the continent. Others see it as a justification for the conquest and exploitation of Native American lands and the forced removal of indigenous peoples from their ancestral homes.

Regardless of one's opinion of manifest destiny, it remains an important part of American history and continues to shape the country's identity and beliefs today. The belief that the United States is destined to lead the world and spread its values and culture throughout the globe is still held by many Americans, and it has been used to justify everything from military interventions to trade policies.

In conclusion, manifest destiny was a powerful belief that drove American expansionism and imperialism in the 19th century. The idea that the United States was destined to spread its values and culture throughout the continent helped to fuel westward expansion and the acquisition of new territories. Although the concept of manifest destiny has been both celebrated and criticized over the years, it remains an important part of American history and continues to influence the country's identity and beliefs today.

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