Civil War and Reconstruction- Manifest Destiny Flashcards
What was Manifest Destiny, and how did it influence American expansion in the 19th century? (3)
Manifest Destiny was the belief that it was the destiny of the United States to expand its territory from coast to coast.
Rooted in ideas of white supremacy and imperialism, it fueled the expansionist policies of the U.S. during the 19th century.
Manifest Destiny justified territorial acquisitions, such as the Louisiana Purchase, the Mexican-American War, and the forced relocation of Native American tribes, with the aim of spreading American values and economic systems across the continent.
How did President James K. Polk support the concept of Manifest Destiny during his presidency? (3)
President James K. Polk was a strong advocate for Manifest Destiny, believing that American expansion across North America was both justified and inevitable.
During his presidency (1845–1849), Polk focused on acquiring vast territories, including the annexation of Texas, which contributed to the Mexican-American War, and the acquisition of the Oregon Territory.
His policies helped shape the territorial boundaries of the United States and advanced the idea of Manifest Destiny.
What role did the overland trails, such as the Oregon and Santa Fe Trails, play in westward expansion? (2)
These trails facilitated the migration of settlers, including farmers, traders, and religious groups, to the West in pursuit of economic opportunities, land, and religious freedom.
The Oregon Trail, for example, was key in populating the Oregon Territory, while the Santa Fe Trail connected Missouri to Santa Fe, supporting trade and settlement in the Southwest.
What were the economic impacts of Manifest Destiny on the Western United States? (3)
Manifest Destiny significantly transformed the Western United States economically by encouraging the development of agriculture, mining, railroads, and trade.
The discovery of gold during the California Gold Rush in 1849, for example, attracted thousands of settlers and contributed to California’s rapid growth.
Additionally, the expansion of railroads facilitated the transportation of goods and people, boosting economic development and connecting the West to the broader U.S. economy.
What were the causes and consequences of the Mexican-American War in the context of Manifest Destiny? (4)
The Mexican-American War (1846–1848) was partly driven by the United States’ desire to expand its territory, a central aspect of Manifest Destiny.
The annexation of Texas by the U.S. in 1845, which Mexico considered a rebellious province, led to tensions.
The war resulted in the U.S. acquiring vast territories, including present-day California, Arizona, New Mexico, and other southwestern lands, through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.
This expansion furthered Manifest Destiny but also intensified debates over the spread of slavery and led to Native American displacement.
How did the California Gold Rush of 1849 embody the spirit of Manifest Destiny? (3)
The California Gold Rush of 1849 embodied the spirit of Manifest Destiny by drawing thousands of settlers to California in search of fortune, symbolizing the American drive to claim new territories and exploit natural resources.
The Gold Rush transformed California from a sparsely populated region into a bustling state and reflected the broader belief in America’s destined expansion across the continent.
The rapid migration of settlers also led to the rapid development of infrastructure and the eventual statehood of California in 1850.
How did the ideology of Manifest Destiny reinforce racial beliefs in the 19th century? (2)
Destiny was closely linked to the ideology of racial superiority, particularly the belief in the superiority of the Anglo-Saxon race.
Many Americans justified expansion westward by asserting the racial and cultural superiority of American institutions and practices, seeing it as their duty to civilize and Christianize Indigenous populations and other nonwhite groups.
What were the effects of the Homestead Act of 1862 on westward expansion? (3)
The Homestead Act of 1862 played a significant role in promoting westward expansion by granting 160 acres of public land to settlers for a small fee, provided they improved the land by building a dwelling and cultivating crops.
This legislation encouraged many Americans to migrate to the West in search of new opportunities, contributing to the settlement of the frontier and reinforcing the concept of Manifest Destiny.
It also facilitated the development of agriculture in the Western U.S.
What was the Treaty of Kanagawa, and how did it relate to the broader themes of Manifest Destiny? (3)
The Treaty of Kanagawa, signed in 1854, marked the beginning of Japan’s opening to the West after more than two centuries of isolation.
This agreement, which allowed American ships to access Japanese ports for trade, reflects the broader themes of Manifest Destiny as the U.S. sought to extend its influence and establish economic relationships beyond North America.
It exemplified American imperial ambitions during the era of Manifest Destiny, which extended not just to the continent but also to international markets.
What were the political and social impacts of Manifest Destiny on Native American populations? (3)
Manifest Destiny had devastating political and social impacts on Native American populations. As the U.S. expanded westward, Native American tribes were forcibly relocated from their ancestral lands, often through policies like the Indian Removal Act and the Trail of Tears.
Native resistance was met with military force, and the expansion contributed to the displacement, destruction of cultures, and loss of life for many Indigenous peoples.
The ideology of Manifest Destiny justified these actions by framing them as part of America’s mission to spread its civilization across the continent.
