Lesson 31: Manifest Destiny

Summary

Lesson 31 explores the concept of Manifest Destiny, the belief that the United States was destined by God to expand across the continent from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Through an analysis of the 1872 painting *American Progress*, students will understand the political, social, and economic motives behind this expansion. The lesson covers key territorial acquisitions and the cultural beliefs of superiority that fueled the desire for westward expansion. Reflecting on Manifest Destiny, the lesson also prompts discussions on its long-term impacts and how its ideas still resonate in American beliefs today.

Takeaways

• 🖼️ The painting 'American Progress' (1872) symbolizes Manifest Destiny through the figure of Columbia, representing the United States and its ideals.
• 🌟 Columbia carries a book and telegraph lines, highlighting the spread of knowledge, technology, and progress as America expands westward.
• 🐂 The painting depicts Native Americans and buffalo moving away from the advancing settlers, symbolizing displacement caused by westward expansion.
• 🌊 The visual contrasts the dark stormy east with the bright west, representing the transition from undeveloped lands to civilization and progress.
• 📜 Manifest Destiny is the belief that the United States was destined by God to expand from the Atlantic to the Pacific, combining fate with a clear national mission.
• 🇺🇸 The ideology was fueled by nationalism after the War of 1812 and the Era of Good Feelings, promoting the idea of American superiority over other nations and peoples.
• ✝️ Socially, Manifest Destiny promoted spreading American culture, values, and Christianity across the continent.
• 💼 Economically, expansion aimed to acquire land and resources to support agriculture, industry, and the growing population.
• 🗺️ The United States expanded through both peaceful treaties (Louisiana Purchase, Oregon Treaty, Gadsden Purchase) and wars (Revolutionary War, U.S.–Mexican War).
• ⚖️ The idea had political support mainly from the Democratic Party, favoring expansion of democracy and suffrage westward.
• ❓ Key discussion points include the impact of industrialization, opposition to Manifest Destiny, and the lasting influence of its beliefs in modern America.

Q & A

What is Manifest Destiny, and who first coined the term?

Manifest Destiny is the belief that the United States was destined by God to expand across the North American continent, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. The term was first coined by newspaper editor John O'Sullivan in 1845.

What symbolic figure is featured in the painting 'American Progress,' and what does she represent?

The figure in the painting 'American Progress' is named Colombia. She is a symbolic representation of the United States, embodying the nation's values, beliefs, and hopes for the future. She is also associated with the Statue of Liberty and the movie company Columbia Pictures.

What do the dark storm clouds in the painting represent?

The dark storm clouds in the painting represent the challenges and conflicts that the United States faced during westward expansion, particularly the negative impact on Native Americans and Mexico, as well as the moral and physical difficulties of expansion.

How does the painting 'American Progress' depict the movement westward?

The painting shows Colombia moving westward, with various symbols of progress such as trains, telegraph wires, covered wagons, and settlers, moving toward the light. In contrast, Native Americans and buffalo are depicted fleeing to the darkness, symbolizing their displacement.

What are the main political, social, and economic motivations behind Manifest Destiny?

Politically, Manifest Destiny was motivated by the desire to spread democracy and the expansion of suffrage. Socially, it was driven by the belief that American culture and Christianity should be spread to the West. Economically, it aimed to acquire land and resources to fuel the growing industrial economy and agricultural needs, especially in the South.

What role did nationalism play in the belief of Manifest Destiny?

Nationalism played a central role in Manifest Destiny by fostering a sense of pride and confidence in America's growth and potential. Americans believed their nation was superior to others, including Mexico and Native American tribes, and had the divine right to expand.

What were some of the key territorial acquisitions that contributed to the United States' expansion?

Key territorial acquisitions include the Louisiana Purchase (1803), the annexation of Texas (1845), the Oregon Territory (1846), the Mexican Cession (1848), and the Gadsden Purchase (1853). These acquisitions were achieved through treaties and wars, helping to expand the U.S. from coast to coast.

What was the significance of the Mexican-American War in the context of Manifest Destiny?

The Mexican-American War (1846-1848) was significant in the context of Manifest Destiny because it resulted in the U.S. gaining large territories, including California, Arizona, and New Mexico, through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. This expanded the U.S. further west and fulfilled the vision of Manifest Destiny.

How did the 'Era of Good Feelings' contribute to the idea of Manifest Destiny?

The 'Era of Good Feelings' (following the War of 1812) contributed to Manifest Destiny by fostering a sense of national pride and unity. The period was marked by economic growth and a strong belief in America's potential, which helped fuel the desire to expand westward.

How might some groups have opposed Manifest Destiny, and who would have been most likely to oppose it?

Some groups, such as Native Americans and Mexicans, would have opposed Manifest Destiny because it involved the displacement of their people and the loss of their land. Additionally, anti-slavery advocates might have opposed it, fearing that the expansion would spread slavery to new territories.