Lecture Notes: Manifest Destiny

Introduction

• Definition: Manifest Destiny was a 19th-century belief that it was God's given destiny for U.S. settlers to expand across North America.
• Themes:
  • Virtue of American people and institutions
  • Moral mission to spread U.S. institutions
  • Divine mission given by God

Historical Origins

• 1630s: John Winthrop’s "City Upon a Hill" sermon - call for a virtuous democratic community
  • Influence on American politics cited by several U.S. presidents
• 1776: Thomas Paine’s "Common Sense" - opportunity for a free and fair society

Expansionism and Imperialism

• Debate on leading by democratic example or annexing lands into the U.S.
• 1803: Louisiana Purchase - expanded U.S. size dramatically
  • Misconception that U.S. bought the land; actually bought imperial rights
  • Led to conflict with Native American tribes, e.g., Trail of Tears

Early 19th Century Developments

• War of 1812: U.S. focused on Native American land
• John Quincy Adams:
  • Believed in U.S. expansion
  • Drafted treaties for U.S. land access, such as the Treaty of 1818
  • Monroe Doctrine (1823) - warned against European colonization

Terminology and Ideology

• John L. O'Sullivan (1839, 1845):
  • Used term "Manifest Destiny"
  • Called for annexation of Texas

Texas and Oregon

• James Polk’s Presidency:
  • Advocated Texas annexation, leading to Mexican-American War (1846)
  • Settled Oregon boundary with Britain to avoid war
• Mexican-American War:
  • Debate over annexing Mexico
  • Division among Manifest Destiny supporters

Post-War Developments

• 1848: Mexican Cession - U.S. gained California, Nevada, etc.
• Slavery and Expansion:
  • Filibustering by slave owners in foreign lands
  • Disagreements led to Civil War

Late 19th Century Resurgence

• 1885-1896: Brief revival of Manifest Destiny sentiment
  • Josiah Strong and Republican Party's platform
  • McKinley and annexation of Hawaii

Modern Implications

• American Interventionism:
  • Manifest Destiny’s legacies in foreign policy
  • Examples include Iraq War, Afghanistan

Conclusion

• Theme of spreading democracy remains relevant
• American expansionism has ceased, but interventionism is prevalent

End of Notes

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