Sound Smart: Manifest Destiny | History

Summary

Historian Matthew Pinsker explains that 'Manifest Destiny', often associated with 19th-century U.S. expansionism, was not an official policy but a slogan coined by journalist John L. O'Sullivan in 1845. Initially controversial, it was more ridiculed than embraced, with critics viewing it as a pretext for slavery's spread. Advocates sought to expand U.S. influence across the continent. The phrase faded until the 1890s when it re-emerged during America's push for global power, notably during the Spanish-American War. Ironically, O'Sullivan, who had fallen into obscurity, wasn't recognized for his contribution until much later.

Takeaways

• 🌟 The term 'Manifest Destiny' is often associated with the 19th-century belief in America's divine right to expand its territory.
• 🗣️ The phrase 'Manifest Destiny' was coined by journalist John L. O'Sullivan in 1845, not by politicians, and was initially controversial.
• 🤔 The concept was used to promote the annexation of Texas and the Oregon Territory, and was seen by critics as a justification for the spread of slavery.
• 🗳️ Many Northerners opposed Manifest Destiny, viewing it as a cover for the expansion of slavery, while others saw it as a failure to achieve full continental expansion.
• 🌍 Advocates of Manifest Destiny envisioned a much larger American Republic, including all of Mexico and Canada.
• 📉 The phrase fell out of political use until the 1890s when it was revived to support America's emergence as a global power.
• 🔄 The term was used to justify expansion into the Caribbean and the Pacific, particularly during the Spanish-American War.
• 😔 The irony is that by the time Manifest Destiny became popular in the 1890s, its originator, John L. O'Sullivan, had died and was largely forgotten.
• 📚 It took historians decades to rediscover O'Sullivan's role in creating the phrase, highlighting the contested and controversial nature of Manifest Destiny.
• 👥 The script also briefly touches on the rise of the Red Guards in China, which were used to suppress political dissent during Mao's era.

Q & A

What is Manifest Destiny?

Manifest Destiny is a term that encapsulates the belief in the 19th century that the United States was destined to expand across the North American continent, often seen as a divinely sanctioned mission.

Who coined the term 'Manifest Destiny'?

The term 'Manifest Destiny' was coined by journalist John L. O'Sullivan in 1845.

In what context did John L. O'Sullivan first use the term 'Manifest Destiny'?

John L. O'Sullivan first used the term 'Manifest Destiny' in the context of writing editorials about the annexation of Texas and the boundary dispute with Britain over the Oregon Territory.

How was the term 'Manifest Destiny' initially received?

The term 'Manifest Destiny' was initially controversial and was used more by critics than supporters, often as a way to ridicule expansionism.

What did some Northerners believe 'Manifest Destiny' was a code for?

Some Northerners believed that 'Manifest Destiny' was a code for spreading slavery.

What were the aspirations of Manifest Destiny advocates?

Manifest Destiny advocates aspired for the United States to expand its territory to include all of Mexico, Canada, and the entire North American continent.

When did the term 'Manifest Destiny' re-emerge in American political discourse?

The term 'Manifest Destiny' re-emerged in the 1890s as part of the drive to make the United States a global power, particularly during the era of the Spanish-American War.

Why did the term 'Manifest Destiny' become popular again in the 1890s?

The term 'Manifest Destiny' became popular again in the 1890s due to discussions about expanding into the Caribbean or the Pacific, as part of the United States' ambition to become a global power.

What happened to John L. O'Sullivan after he coined the term 'Manifest Destiny'?

John L. O'Sullivan fell into obscurity and died in 1895. His obituaries did not mention his role as the author of the phrase 'Manifest Destiny'.

Why is Manifest Destiny still controversial today?

Manifest Destiny remains controversial today because it was a contested policy from its beginning, often associated with the expansion of slavery and the forced displacement of Native American populations.

What is the connection between Manifest Destiny and the red guards mentioned in the script?

There is no direct connection mentioned in the script between Manifest Destiny and the red guards. The red guards are mentioned in a separate context, referring to a different historical period and location, indicating a shift in the discussion.