Manifest Destiny was a 19th-century belief that the United States was destined to expand its territory across the North American continent, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean12. This ideology, which emerged in the 1840s, was rooted in the concept of American exceptionalism and the idea that the U.S. had a divine right and duty to spread its form of democracy and civilization westward14.
The term "Manifest Destiny" was first coined in 1845 by journalist John Louis O'Sullivan in an essay about the annexation of Texas23. It quickly became a rallying cry and political slogan, particularly among Democrats2.
Key aspects of Manifest Destiny
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Divine providence: The belief that God had ordained American expansion across the continent12.
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Cultural superiority: The conviction that American Anglo-Saxon culture was inherently superior and destined to bring good government, prosperity, and Christianity to the continent1.
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Territorial expansion: The justification for acquiring new territories, including Texas, Oregon, and large parts of Mexico24.
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Political impact: It became a significant factor in U.S. politics, influencing decisions on westward expansion and foreign policy14.
Consequences and controversies
Manifest Destiny had far-reaching consequences:
- It led to the displacement and often violent removal of Native American populations41.
- It contributed to conflicts with other nations, most notably the Mexican-American War (1846-1848)24.
- It exacerbated sectional tensions over slavery, as newly acquired territories raised questions about the balance between free and slave states1.
- It shaped American foreign policy and attitudes towards territorial expansion well into the 20th century2.
Critics, including many Whigs and prominent Republicans like Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant, rejected the concept as hostile and pompous12. The ideology remains controversial due to its association with colonialism, racism, and the forcible displacement of Indigenous peoples34.