Christine Joy Dar HI Dr.
Weaver Assignment #5: In what ways was “Manifest Destiny” a force for change in the United States during the first 90 years of its history. Was it a force for good, bad, neither or both. The territorial expansion in America that occurred during the 19thcentury was outlined under the doctrine of Manifest Destiny. It was introduced in 1845 by a newspaper editor named John O’Sullivan.
The doctrine referred to the notion that it was America’s God-given right and duty to expand its borders across the North American continent. It was indeed considered a force for change because it brought about Christianity and democracy to more people as well as more land and power to the New World. I do believe that the notion of Manifest Destiny had both good and bad consequences to America and the American people. Some of the good consequences was it did reinforce so much pride and nationalism in the mid-19thcentury. Because Americans believed that it was destined or God-given right to expand America’s borders, expansionists that it was their mission to expand, control and populate the country as they see fit.
They believed that it was their duty to conquer and Christianize the land. This was best exemplified by the Puritans’ notion of establishing a “city on a hill”. Others also saw Manifest Destiny as a means of American domination of North America from sea to sea. It satisfied America’s lust for land. Land represented wealth and progress and the untapped wilderness provided the expansionists an opportunity for economic advancement.
It also gave Americans a means to protect national borders and the removal of foreign influences. It also provided more room for a growing population Expansion through the Manifest Destiny brought about improvement and progress. As proof, we are now one of the most powerful country in the world because our forefathers followed what was destined for them. It also opened new doors to trade and industry with other countries. By acquiring lands from other places like Alaska fromRussia, more routes for trade and barter was opened that is why we are now one of the most influential player in the world’s economy.
The doctrine not only benefitted America economically and religiously but also culturally. With Manifest Destiny, American culture expanded. Americanswere able toshare their culture especially their love of individuality and freedom and these traits were shared to the Indians. The Indianswere able tolearn from the American culture democratic, religious and cultural ways that were beneficial to them.
The Manifest Destiny also offered American to discover other places other than the community they grew up in. Their chance of exploration expanded which enabled them to maximize their potential, discover new ways of living and learn to be innovative. Despite of the many positive gains brought about by the doctrine,opponents also argued and I agree, that there were also some bad consequences from it. It brought about war and conflict by starting a war with Mexico and Spain.
We were also branded as imperialist by taking over other countries and territories like Guam, the Philippines and Puerto Rico. Territorial expansion encouraged slavery even more. Although Americans promised that they will not take land of other people like the Native Americans without their consent and through peaceful means, history showed that this did not happen. Slavery of Native Americans was as its peak and many were killed and displaced during the expansion. It also led to the death and suffering of manypeople,particularly the Indians.
It also used the name of God in vain to manipulate other people. Land were taken forcibly while the Indians were made to suffer and abused. It was unconstitutional and was a threat to the indigenous populations like American Indians and Native Hawaiians. Although the era of Manifest Destiny has long ended, its influence could still be felt today on every foreign policy decisions. It could be heard in JFK’s plan to explore the moon and our interests into other countries like the Philippines.
Because America believes that they have an inherent right to mind other countries business and because they think that they have a humanitarian duty to spread democracy around the world, Manifest Destiny continues to loom large in the United States’ national character. That is the reason why we care aboutPresident Duterte’sso called extra-judicial killings and the Syrian refugees, and other conflicts in the Middle East. In other words, Manifest Destiny made us a watch dog and care taker of democracy around the world. Work Cited: LaFeber, Walter. The American Age: US Foreign Policy at Home and Abroad 1750 to Present.
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1994. Moriarty, J. T. Manifest Destiny: A Primary Sources History of America’s Territorial Expansion in the 19thCentury. The Rosen Publishing Group.
New York, NY. 2004. www. connectusfund. org/12-impressive-pros-and-cons-of-manifest-destiny www. Visionlaunch.com/pros-and-cons-of-manifest-destiny
