What is manifest destiny?

Manifest destiny is a significant concept in American history that refers to the 19th-century belief that the expansion of the United States across the American continents was both justified and inevitable. This ideology emerged during a time when the nation was experiencing rapid territorial growth, driven by a sense of purpose and entitlement to expand its reach from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. Advocates of manifest destiny argued that this expansion was not just beneficial but a divine right, often entwined with ideas of American exceptionalism.

The belief played a crucial role in shaping the policies and attitudes of the United States, influencing events such as the annexation of Texas, the Oregon Trail migration, and the acquisition of territories following the Mexican-American War. It also had profound implications for Indigenous populations and the geopolitical landscape of North America, often disregarding the rights and sovereignty of Native American nations in the pursuit of expansion.

Understanding manifest destiny helps to frame discussions about nationalism and imperialism in the 19th century, highlighting the complex motivations behind American expansionist policies and the impacts those policies had on both society and the land.