Westward Expansion Manifest Destiny Essays


Found 35945 essays.

Manifest Destiny and Foreign Policy Essay

Manifest Destiny was stimulated by nationalism and an idealistic vision of human perfectibility.The term “Manifest Destiny,” which American writer John L. O’Sullivan first used in the New York Democratic Review in 1845. , describes what most 19th-Century Americans believed was their God-given mission to expand westward, occupy a continental nation, and extend U. S. constitutional government to unenlightened peoples.All in all the overall concept of the Manifest Destiny, impacted the United States’ foreign policy through territorial acquisition and influenced American thought in which led to an abundance of Americans to move west because of economic, agricultural, and nationalistic beliefs.John L. O’Sullivan, editor of the influential Uni...


1157 words (2.9 pages)
Manifest destiny and territorial expansion

The term Manifest Destiny was coined by John O’Sullivan, the editor of the 1846 Democratic Review.The author’s purpose was to highlight the territories of California, Oregon and Texas with the intention to promote Manifest Destiny and westward expansion in a published Whig journal.Whigs promoted rapid economic and industrial growth, including the expansion of territories through Manifest Destiny, by demanding government support for a more modern, market-oriented economy, suggesting high tariffs, and funding internal improvements.Douglas supported the political doctrine of popular sovereignty, or the principle that the state government could decide the fate of slavery in their region.His view of westward expansion contradicts with the opi...


821 words (2.1 pages)
United States’ westward expansion Essay

The westward movement resulted with the rapid growth of American territory in the west despite fierce resistance from Native Americans, Mexicans, and the British.Another factor which contributed significantly to the Westward Expansion was the compromise of 1850 that resolved the territorial and slavery issues arising from the Mexican-American War.The process of Westward Movement was inevitable because of the Manifest Destiny doctrine has influenced politically the government and laws/development of states and territory.In addition, the Westward Expansion galvanized the United States position as a world superpower.The most important consequence of expansion is the reopening of controversy that had been temporarily settled by the 1821 Miss...


976 words (2.4 pages)
Essay about The Frontier Of American History

Jackson Turner’s argument of Manifest Destiny having an impact on “American culture” was evident in the historical documents written during the time.Manifest Destiny was an important event that shaped America until this day.The American culture was a big part of Manifest destiny because this was a basis of reason to continue expansion westward.The development of an “American identity” was due to the expansion of America.Manifest destiny was an important concept in American history and started in the nineteenth century.


444 words (1.1 pages)
Manifest Destiny Essay

Advocates of manifest destiny, mostly democratic, argued that the U.S., as a more advanced culture, had a God-given right to expand its borders.The belief in Manifest Destiny, America’s right to expand westward, was popular among the Democratic Party, which paved the path for conflict in U.S. politics.The racist aspect of Manifest Destiny considers inferior Mexicans unqualified to become Americans whereas the mission aspect of Manifest Destiny dictates that Mexicans would become improved under American democracy.The belief in Manifest Destiny in the 1840’s greatly influenced both U.S. politics and policy and is to blame or thank for Americas expansion from “sea to shining sea.” .The process of expansion in which newly democratic and fr...


628 words (1.6 pages)
Manifest Destiny Essay

Also, you can see a bridge and a big city on an island (possibly New York City and the Brooklyn Bridge).In her hand as she passes, the lady is running a telegram wire across the land.An analysis of John Gast’s painting “Manifest Destiny” shows clearly how Americans viewed westward expansion during this time of nationalism and pride.This shows that as America goes further west and becomes a bigger nation, technology will grow along with it and because of it.“Manifest Destiny” Americans in the 1800’s were very proud of their country because of westward expansion and the growth of technology.


331 words (0.8 pages)
American history Essay

Therein lies the heart of colonization, Manifest Destiny and the Monroe Doctrine: protect and expand the interests of the nation.(Lubragge) In other words, there is an immorality present within the concept of colonial and territorial expansion.John Sullivan summed up the concept of Manifest Destiny eloquently in his treatise: It is so destined, because the principle upon which a nation is organized fixes its destiny, and that of equality is perfect, is universal.This attitude also exists today and is the reason why the Monroe Doctrine and the concept of Manifest Destiny remain the true epicenter of American culture and political ideology.For many, such expansion brought a great deal of excitement and, to one degree or another, a sense of...


1107 words (2.8 pages)
The Manifest Destiny Movement Essay

This proves Manifest Destiny was an aggressive imperialism pursued at the expense of others through the advertising that the movement was an expansion prearranged by heaven, the breaking of the treaty that entitled the western land to the Indians, and the self proclaimed ownership of the Indians to the Americans.While he had not used the actual words “Manifest Destiny,” he was extremely close, predicting a “divine destiny.Manifest Destiny was an aggressive imperialism pursued at the expense of others due to the facts that it was made out to be an expansion prearranged by Heaven when it simply was the craving of more land, it took the Indians only home that was promised to them by a previous treaty, and when the Manifest Destiny movement ...


655 words (1.6 pages)
Expansionism in the 19th and early 20th century Essay

Expansion reached China, Hawaii, the Philippines, the Caribbean, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Santo Domingo.Expansion in the mid 1800s was important for America and its development of society and national identity.In the 1830s and `840s, the westward movement of people left the valley of the Mississippi behind, stretching far into the west, all the way to the Pacific.There was little economic benefit in expansion of Puerto Rico.Expansion of the early 20th century was often based on political and economic incentive.


906 words (2.3 pages)
The American Citizen Essay

Most of course would not be wrong in saying this, as it was a big part of the causes of war, yet, this whole idea started becuase of a disbalance in free and slave states after western expansion.The facts are this, the loss of fertile ground, the national security issues of so many contuires within the United States that could have arose, and the overall desire to make money on farms, trade and resources all played a part in expansion.There were a lot of motives behind westward expansion and Manifest Destiny, it was not just slavery, albeit it did play a big part, anyone who assumes that it were the sole reason is wrong, there was the matter of the country 's security, rapid population growth, and the possibility of increased wealth as j...


455 words (1.1 pages)
Settlement of the West over the Whole Period Essay

The key reason this was a turning point was manifest destiny which was completed after this event.To conclude, the Louisiana Purchase which nearly doubled America overnight for just $15million was the key turning point in Westward expansion.Lastly, even though the Homestead Act of 1862 was not very successful, it still inspired many families to travel west, increased settlement there and helped westward expansion.This was a key turning point in expansion as it opened up a huge amount of land for more settlers (an extra 828,000 square miles).The process of expansion was huge and resulted in the original 13 states being 45 states by 1906.


1198 words (3.0 pages)
Essay The Subjugation Of The American West

This simple phrase enraptured the United States during the late 1800’s, and came to symbolize an era of westward expansion through numerous powerful entities.Due to the expansion of the ... .Manifest Destiny!The expansion can be inspected though many different contextual lenses, but if examined among the larger histories of the United States, this movement can be classified as one of the most influential developments of the post-Civil War period.It is clear that, although the conquering of the West was beneficial to the larger part of American history, it is a tragedy that it was done through physical suppression and outside economical control.


443 words (1.1 pages)
Territorial Expansion

California was admitted as a free state, Texas received financial compensation for relinquishing claim to lands east of the Rio Grande, the territory of New Mexico was organized without any specific prohibition of slavery, the slave trade was abolished in Washington D.C., and the Fugitive Slave Law was passed, requiring all U.S. citizens to assist in the return of runaway slaves.Manifest destiny also be-came known as not only expanding the territory, but also the institution of slavery.Abolitionists were willing to break the “law” to help slaves escape.Though attempts were made to appease both groups, in the end the Civil War was inevitable.Because everyone believed in manifest destiny, they wanted to push westward, no matter what.


490 words (1.2 pages)
The West in Film Essay

However, it took American film produces until the 1990's to create roles for these minorities that were equal to those of white males.Women who played significant roles in society used to be ignored by history books, and are now included in almost every chapter.The progressive movements made by the film industry and society are allowing for Americans to look at the west in a new, enlightened manner.The depiction of minorities in western films, particularly women and Native Americans, has made significant progress from the 1930's and this progress has trickled into the teaching of history, particularly western expansion.These minorities were obstacles in the quest for manifest destiny by the United States.


426 words (1.1 pages)
Is early United States history a story of progress Essay

with the 13th Amendment – Realizing that the Emancipation Proclamation could be reverses by future legislation, Lincoln won congressional approval of the 13th Amendment, which finally abolished slaver in the United States.Nevertheless, the proclamation allowed black soldiers to fight for the union and transformed union forced into an arm of liberation.2nd party system – increased political participation, economic concerns stemming from the panic of 1819m anxiety over slavery’s expansion, and the ‘corrupt bargain” all contributed to the creation of the second party system.Progress in westward expansion (for white Americans) not good for native Americans.which fell apart over issue of slavery expansion- Wilmot’s Provision – Proposing that ...


1042 words (2.6 pages)
American Progress Essay

The progress figure ushers in an era of modernization, development and westward progression, depicted in the painting as a dark and wild place, especially compared to the eastern part of the painting.The painting is an allegory of Manifest Destiny and the Conquest of the West.American Progress visually describes the process of expansion to the American West.As Columbia moves west, native peoples and a herd of bison flee it, as settlers advance, expressing the inevitability of technological advancement.Progress lays a telegraph wire with one hand and carries a school book in the other.


379 words (0.9 pages)
Post Civil War Westward Expansion History Essay

California and the Southwest became the home of a multitude of cultures and diverse ethnicity, the effect of which can be seen today.Once the war was over, westward expansion commenced full steam ahead, as construction of the Transcontinental Railroad gained momentum in 1866, having the last spike hammered down in 1869.These were the times of westward expansion and manifest destiny.In response to this attack on their lifestyles, there were constant Indian wars from 1850-1880 resisting White expansion.Prior to the rejuvenated expansion, Hispanics populated the Southwest region of the United States.


1299 words (3.2 pages)
Causes of the american civil war

The two chapters in the book provide the events leading up to the Civil War which includes the Westward Expansion, the crisis, and the conflicts within the nation.Westward expansions started by the dreams of the settlers, but ended with numerous of heated conflicts upon not only the Congress but the entire country.The descriptions are in fully order and the times of events are mentioned.A Civil war which lasted four years long eventually began in 1861, due to many causes, and the westward expansion can’t be denied as one of them.It also includes the influences that The Compromise of 1850 had brought to the entire nation.


1122 words (2.8 pages)
Civil War

Within two weeks, six more states followed suit: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, all of which withdrew for the purpose of protecting their own interests.Such momentous events that were caused by the issue of slavery caused our country to view the subject in a very new light, no longer was it ignored as an obligatory evil.The Abolitionist Movement increased the sectionalist dive between north and south, while westward expansion had provoked the breeching of the Missouri Compromise, and seven states had used their assumed ¡°states¡¯ rights¡± to succeed from the union.The period prior to the Civil War was one of great decisions, unfounded apprehension, and deep thought.The idea of manifest destiny stimulated th...


794 words (2.0 pages)
Book Review: Overthrown By Stephen Kinzer

“The Imperial Era”, is framed by the rise of American power and the ideological pulls of Manifest Destiny and Evangelical Christianity, as well as the economic motivation of industrialization and the need for “open door” control over foreign markets.Regardless of the historical event, an underlying belief in manifest destiny, our nation’s fate and duty to settle our North American lands coast to coast, underscored each territorial acquisition.Westward acquisitions began with the Louisiana Purchase and continued through the mid-century period with the land gained through the war with Mexico.Throughout the 19th century, Americans discussed and debated issues connected to expansion.It seems certain most Americans believed in a special manif...


1451 words (3.6 pages)
Essay on A Brief History of American Imperialism

Watson, David K. Jefferson and Imperialism: Democratic Expansion.Primarily interested in the strategic port city of New Orleans, and unrestricted use of the Mississippi River for trade, when offered the entirety of the territory by Napoleon, Jefferson saw an opportunity for the expansion of his “empire of liberty”.American Indian Holocaust and Survival: A Population History Since 1492.Milwaukee, WI: Allied Printing, 1900.Thornton, Russell.


403 words (1.0 pages)
History of Native Americans in the United States

The westward expansion started when Thomas Jefferson believed that the future of America depends on expanding the west.Manifest Destiny was a belief that people had in the 19th century.This territory grew quickly.Manifest Destiny .Now, the place is called Utah.


1164 words (2.9 pages)
The Expansion Of American History Essay examples

This internal conflict lead to a change in direction of popular political movements.The controversy of expansion began when America gained Texas as a new territory....onstitutional authority over slavery.In 1845, journalist John O 'Sullivan coined the term Manifest Destiny, which described Americas sudden urge to extend its boundaries from coast to coast.The expansion of the United States created tension with our neighboring countries.


441 words (1.1 pages)
Westward Expansion and the American Dream

These qualities of the American Dream can be clearly shown through America’s period of westward expansion.One specific event in America’s history has succeeded in demonstrating the four qualities included in the American dream; this event is America’s period of Westward Expansion.The events that occurred during America’s Westward Expansion, although small, played a large role in exploiting and highlighting the qualities that make up the American Dream.“Let Freedom Ring: Westward Expansion.” City University of New York.During America’s westward expansion more than 80,000 people ventured to California in search of gold.


2157 words (5.4 pages)
Imperialism from 1700 to 1900 Essay

British rule also modernized India, bring new technologies and such there, known as cultural diffusion.And so, the Natives had to stay on their reservations while America expanded.Now, however, the British began trying to expand their territory and the idea of responsible trusteeship came about.America continued their idea of Manifest Destiny all the way to the Pacific.The British did however, like the idea of the caste system in separating the people, and so let that remain in tack to remain in control of the population.


464 words (1.2 pages)
American Imperialism in the Philippines Essay

Welch, Richard E., Jr.?The University of North Carolina Press, 1979.Doubleday and Company, 1961.The Spanish American War.?Response to Imperialism:?


377 words (0.9 pages)
The History of the American Dream

For many, westward migration meant fulfilling their dreams of land ownership and farming.In 1845, the journalist John O’Sullivan put a name to these ideas that lured pioneers toward the western frontier; “the manifest destiny”.The American Dream is still a prominent aspect of life in the United States.Australia has been influenced by the American, with the Great Australian Dream encompassing a similar ethos to its American counterpart, in regards to home ownership.Home ownership became the signpost of an individual’s success in the pursuit of the American Dream.


1095 words (2.7 pages)
English-French-Spanish, The Colonization of America

The Treaty itself represented the United States expansion goals.The United States completed Manifest Destiny at the cost of the Mexican government and its people (Natella Jr. 71-72).The conflicts along the border region were a direct result of U.S. expansion policies and Mexican fear for the United States.The eastern expansion was caused by the French expansion into modern day Louisiana.The United States proved often that it supported policy of expansion.


4606 words (11.5 pages)
Territorial Expansion in the United States From 1800-1850 Essay

Northern abolistionists, backed by many Westerners, claimed that the war was unjust and was fought for the sake of the expansion of slavery.Expansion into these new territories brought up many questions and aggravated the existing splits between North and South over the slavery issue.But it was the issue of the expansion of slavery into the new territories that pitted the North against the South and split our nation apart.The first real crisis over territorial expansion took place in 1819-1821 over the admission of the state of Missouri.The issue of annexation was closely linked to the issue of expansion of slavery.


810 words (2.0 pages)
Mexican War and the Spanish American War Essay

A People A Nation 6th Edition .Both the Mexican War and the Spanish-American War resulted because of the unfair and unjust treatment that the United States held in their so-called foreign policy.Under the administration of President Polk, America adopted an aggressive expansion policy that often ignored many inferior countries.This belief was put forth by Manifest Destiny, which had been circulating around the United States for a long time.The Mexican American War Memorial Homepage -from UMAN .


851 words (2.1 pages)

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