History-u.S. (Before 1865) Manifest Destiny

History-U.S. (before 1865)

Manifest Destiny

Manifest Destiny is a concept that heavily influenced American policy during 1800's. This idea was the driving force behind the rapid expansion of America into the West. It was heavily promoted in newspapers, posters, and through other communication mediums. While the idea of Manifest Destiny was not itself an official government policy, it led to the passage of legislation which encouraged Westward colonization and territorial acquisition (What is Manifest Destiny, 2009).

The term Manifest Destiny was first used in 1845 by John O'Sullivan who was an American newspaper editor. In writing about the proposed annexation of Texas, O'Sullivan said that it was America's manifest destiny to overspread the continent. His editorial suggested that through expansion, the United States could become a recognized political and social superpower. He felt that America had in fact been uniquely chosen for the task of expanding westward thus driving out the wilderness and establishing civilization (What is Manifest Destiny, 2009).

There were many government campaigns that highlighted the idea of the West for prospective settlers, and promoted programs which could help people get and hold land in the West. With the discovery of gold and other valuable minerals, a wave of Easterners started to pour into the West. These people believed that it was their right and duty to expand. The idea of Manifest Destiny played a big role in America's political actions overseas. People believed that they were uniquely positioned to spread democracy throughout the world and this idea could clearly be seen as playing a role in twentieth century American foreign policy (What is Manifest Destiny, 2009).