Gast, John. "American Progress." 1872. Oil painting. Description: This painting illustrates Manifest Destiny, the belief in the westward expansion of the United States from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. Settlers are depicted moving west, guided by Columbia and aided by modern technology like railroads, while Native Americans and bison are pushed into obscurity. Columbia, representing America, is dressed in a Roman toga symbolizing classical republicanism, bringing enlightenment from the east to the west. Collection: Autry Museum of the American West. Dimensions: height 29.2 cm (11.4 in), width 40 cm (15.7 in). Accession number: 92.126.1. Retrieved from https://picturinghistory.gc.cuny.edu/john-gast-american-progress-1872/.
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Manifest Destiny:
The Justified the Expansionist Policies for the U.S. Government
Manifest Destiny was a belief that played a significant role in shaping the expansionist policies of the United States government during the 19th century. It was a concept that justified the territorial expansion of the United States from the Atlantic coast to the Pacific coast. This idea gained popularity among politicians, settlers, and the general public, influencing the nation's actions and decisions.
The term "Manifest Destiny" was first used by journalist John L. O'Sullivan in an article published in 1845. He claimed that it was the nation's obvious destiny to expand its territory and spread its democratic values across the continent. This belief was deeply rooted in the American cultural and political mindset of the time.
At the heart of Manifest Destiny was the conviction that the United States was destined to expand and bring progress, civilization, and prosperity to the lands it acquired. It was seen as a mission from a higher power, a divine mandate to fulfill the nation's destiny. This belief was often used to justify the displacement and mistreatment of Native American tribes who inhabited the lands that the United States sought to acquire.
The concept of Manifest Destiny was used to support several expansionist policies pursued by the U.S. government. One such policy was the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, when the United States acquired a vast territory from France, doubling its size. This acquisition provided the foundation for future westward expansion. The belief in Manifest Destiny also fueled the annexation of Texas in 1845 and the subsequent Mexican-American War, which resulted in the acquisition of vast territories in the Southwest.
The ideology of Manifest Destiny faced criticism from various quarters. Some argued that it was a justification for imperialism and aggression. Others questioned the morality of forcibly taking land from indigenous peoples. Nevertheless, the concept held sway among many Americans during this era, driving the nation's expansionist policies.
Manifest Destiny not only shaped the territorial growth of the United States but also influenced the cultural and economic development of the nation. As pioneers and settlers moved westward, they established new communities, built infrastructure, and opened up trade routes. This expansion played a crucial role in the development of the nation's identity and its emergence as a global power.
In conclusion, the concept of Manifest Destiny served as a justification for the expansionist policies of the U.S. government. It was a belief deeply ingrained in the American psyche, promoting the idea that the United States was destined to expand its territory and bring progress to the continent. While controversial and criticized, Manifest Destiny played a significant role in shaping the course of American history during the 19th century.
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