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Questions and Answers
What major infrastructure projects were directly influenced by the belief in Manifest Destiny?
In what year did the United States acquire Alaska, influenced by the concept known as the 'New Manifest Destiny'?
What challenges did the idea of Manifest Destiny bring about regarding Native American nations?
How did the acquisition of new territories as part of Manifest Destiny contribute to disputes over slavery?
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What were some of the motives that drove Manifest Destiny?
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Which event ultimately led to the beginning of the American Civil War, as a consequence of Manifest Destiny?
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What was the core belief of Manifest Destiny in 19th century America?
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Who coined the term 'Manifest Destiny' that became a guiding principle for U.S. foreign policy?
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In which publication did John L. O'Sullivan first use the term 'manifest destiny'?
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What was the significance of Manifest Destiny during westward expansion?
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Which event led to the U.S. gaining territories like the Oregon Country and land from Mexico?
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What did the term 'Manifest Destiny' imply about the future for the United States?
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Study Notes
Manifest Destiny: The Driving Force Behind American Territorial Expansion
Manifest Destiny was a belief system in 19th century America that held the United States was destined to expand its territorial borders westward across the North American continent. This idea, which evolved from a casual phrase coined by journalist John L. O'Sullivan, became a powerful rallying cry and a guiding principle for U.S. foreign policy during the period of rapid expansion.
Origins of Manifest Destiny
The term "manifest destiny" was first used in 1845 in an essay by O'Sullivan in the July-August issue of The United States Magazine and Democratic Review. He used it again in a column for the New York Morning News on December 27, 1845, which generated wider debate. The phrase, meaning "clear or obvious" and "events that will certainly happen in the future," was seen as a divine mandate for the United States to expand its borders westward.
Impact of Manifest Destiny on American History
Manifest Destiny played a significant role in shaping American history, particularly during the period of westward expansion. It was a driving force behind the acquisition of new territories, including the Oregon Country after the U.S. victory in the Oregon boundary dispute with Britain and the land gained through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo following the Mexican-American War.
The belief in Manifest Destiny also led to the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad and the completion of the First Transcontinental Telegraph Line, which further connected the east and west coasts of the United States. The concept of Manifest Destiny was also a factor in the United States' acquisition of Alaska in 1867, known as the "New Manifest Destiny," and the acquisition of Spanish territories in the western Pacific and Latin America after the Spanish-American War in 1898.
Challenges and Consequences of Manifest Destiny
The idea of Manifest Destiny was not without its challenges. It sparked controversy among both the public and political figures, with some expressing humanitarian concerns about relocating Native American nations and others questioning the country's ability to rule such an extensive empire. The acquisition of new territories also brought about disputes over slavery, particularly in the context of the Oregon Country and the Kansas-Nebraska Territory, which ultimately contributed to the beginning of the American Civil War.
Conclusion
Manifest Destiny was a powerful and influential concept that guided American expansion during the 19th century. It was driven by a belief in the country's moral obligation to spread its institutions and values, as well as by economic, religious, and patriotic motives. While it was a significant force in American history, it also brought about challenges and consequences that continue to be debated and studied today.
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Description
Test your knowledge about Manifest Destiny, the belief in America's destined expansion across the continent, and its impact on American history. Explore how it led to westward territorial acquisitions, controversies, and significant historical events.
