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Essay / Manifest Destiny: origins, motivations, impacts and consequences
Table of contentsThe origins of manifest destinyMotivations behind manifest destinyImpacts of manifest destinyConsequences of manifest destinyConclusionThe notion of manifest destiny, a term invented in the 19th century to describe belief in the innate right and obligation of the United States to control and expand its territory, played an important role in shaping American history. This historical ideology has had far-reaching implications, from shaping the country's foreign policy to westward expansion and promoting territorial acquisition. This essay will explore the origins, motivations, impacts, and ultimate consequences of Manifest Destiny, seeking to provide a comprehensive analysis of this influential concept. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay The Origins of Manifest Destiny The idea of manifest destiny dates back to the early colonial period. The English settlers who ventured to the New World firmly believed that they were destined to expand their way of life across the continent. This belief was closely linked to religious ideologies, such as the Puritan belief in the divine mission to create a "city upon a hill." However, it was not until the 19th century, particularly during the westward expansion of the United States, that the concept of Manifest Destiny gained popularity. The idea was strengthened by factors such as the Louisiana Purchase, which doubled the size of the nation, and the Lewis and Clark Expedition, which provided valuable information about the unexplored territories of the West .Motivations Behind Manifest DestinySeveral motivations were linked to manifest destiny. Economic factors played a crucial role as Americans sought to exploit vast natural resources and expand trade routes. Belief in the superiority of American institutions and values, such as democracy and capitalism, also fueled the desire to spread these principles across the continent. Additionally, racial and cultural bias contributed to Manifest Destiny. Many Americans believed in a sense of racial superiority and saw it as their duty to bring civilization to so-called “savage” indigenous populations. This ethnocentric perspective, combined with the desire to secure and expand their own power, justified the displacement and mistreatment of Native American tribes. Impacts of Manifest Destiny Manifest Destiny has had profound impacts on domestic and foreign policy. Domestically, this led to rapid territorial expansion, with lands such as Texas, Oregon, and California acquired through treaties, purchases, and military conquests. This expansionist mindset also spurred the construction of infrastructure, such as railways and canals, to facilitate further settlement and economic growth. Internationally, Manifest Destiny has influenced the United States' relations with other nations. The acquisition of new territories brought the country into conflict with Mexico, leading to the Mexican-American War. This war not only resulted in significant territorial gains for the United States, but also intensified debates over the expansion of slavery, ultimately fueling the growing divide between the North and South. this also had important consequences. The displacement and mistreatment of Native American tribes led to immense human suffering and the destruction of ancient cultures. The ideology of expansion..