Manifest Destiny

Manifest Destiny is a term that was used in the 19th century to justify the belief that the United States was destined and had the divine authority to expand across the North American continent from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. The term inspired nationalism and supported the United States' expansion across the North American continent. This 19th century phrase would describe a changing country; one with a daring mission.

When colonists first started to populate North and South America they would settle near waterways. As the population increased, colonists were forced to move westward to find unsettled land. This desire to find unsettled, fertile land led to the beginnings of Manifest Destiny. The spirit of nationalism took hold of the United States as the new nation began to develop. Once the government was established, America began focusing on expanding and increasing power and attaining a respectful status much like many of the European countries. With this nationalistic spirit and a new focus, the United States priority had become westward expansion.

For different social, political, cultural and economic reasons the United States began their pursuit for westward expansion. This territorial expansion became called Manifest Destiny, a term popularized by editors of newspapers. Democrat John O'Sullivan wrote that America's right to Manifest Destiny is "... an overspread the continent allotted by Providence for the free development of our yearly multiplying millions." This statement was the rationalization for westward expansion and the possession of previously owned land, which was seen with Native American interactions. The rationale was that the American nation was destined to spread their superior society of democracy and innovation to those who lived out west.

President Thomas Jefferson purchased the first major amount of land. Jefferson initially sought to gain New Orleans and West Florida, but ended up doubling the size of the United States. In France, Napoleon was economically weakened and was eager for money to fund the wars that he was fighting. Jefferson proposed the purchase of New Orleans and West Florida from France in 1803. Napoleon desperate for money, sold to Jefferson the entire territory from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains for about fifteen million dollars. This became known as the Louisiana Purchase.

American expansion did not cease after the Louisiana Purchase. In 1819, Andrew Jackson invaded territory under Spain's possession in Florida. Spain decided to sell this territory to America for approximately five million dollars. The United States had doubled its original size, but did not lose sight of its goal. Expansion continued under the control of President James K. Polk. After winning the election of 1844, Polk set and accomplished goals, which is why he is known for claiming the most territory for the United States than any other President.

In 1845, the United States annexed the Republic of Texas. The following year, the Republic of Texas gained independence from Mexico. Northerners who supported abolition feared Texas would join the country as a slave state. Texas dropped all territorial claims as part of the Compromise of 1850.

In 1846, the land westward of America had been claimed by four countries: Great Britain, Russia, Spain, and the United States. As Spain and Russia lost interest in these areas and the 49o compromise occurred with Britain, America received the Oregon Territory. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848 resulted because of a war between the United States and Mexico. The United States received the land called the Mexican Cession for about fifteen million dollars

The achievement of Manifest Destiny affected the social, political, cultural, and economic aspect of America. This belief in the American mission to encourage democracy throughout the world played a role in westward territorial expansion the 19th Century. This rationale for Manifest Destiny was rooted deep in the American people. Ethnocentrism could be detected because America felt that it was their divine right to expand.

Economic reasons for Manifest Destiny

Background- During the period 1835-1837, a financial boom caused the American economy to do extremely well. Under the Distribution Act, the federal government elected to take money from state banks for the purpose of funding the building of highways, railroads, and canals. This would eventually backfire, and send the nation into an economic depression, known as the Panic of 1837.

Rationale �€"Manifest Destiny caused America to want to gain westward land for several reasons. Rumors of gold found in California, led to the Gold Rush of 1849. Besides the vast amount of resources that might have been found there, new land would boost America's economy. America could create more farms, markets, expand their railway system. They could also spread out the population and continue to run the economy more thoroughly.

Problems- To resolve the poor economic situation in America, government leaders made attempts to apply taxes on Americans. The people could not afford to pay these taxes, creating more economic hardships, which forced the government to explore other options, such as expanding west to regain economic stability. Problems with this were that there were Native Americans as well as Mexicans who already were settled in the area.

Outcomes- By expanding west, America gained opportunities, as well as achieving their economic goals. The land out west was fertile and affordable for agriculture and had abundant natural resources. The natural ports along the Pacific Ocean also served beneficial for future trade.

Explanations- Because of the ineffective power and governing of American leaders, America fell into an economic depression. The initial attempt to fix this was to instill taxes on the states for the in-state expenses. These taxes could not be paid; and when the inability to pay the taxes became clear, the people of the United States then looked other places for the capitol they needed. Specifically, they looked westward for affordable land for agriculture.

Political reasons for Manifest Destiny

Background - James K. Polk, president during the 1840's, played a major role in Manifest Destiny and its political aspects. He wanted America to expand westward, and overall he ended up being rather successful at reaching the goals he had set for himself as President. Polk was for slavery and by gaining these lands he could attempt to gain more slave states and gain more power in Congress (Faber).

Rationale