Question

What was your understanding of Manifest Destiny? How did this concept expand America’s concept of moving West? What conflicts did the U.S. encounter with Mexico? Who were some of the key leaders/figures involved in the conflicts with Mexico?

Answer 1

"Manifest destiny, a phrase designed in 1845, was a belief that God has destined the Americans to reign the whole North American Continent. The civilisation and the attribute of being white made Americans realise that they were better than others. This idea reflects mostly the cultural and religious facets. President of the US, James K.Polk's endeavours too triggered the territorial expansions.

Buying the land in the west and better opportunities for the nicer living were the foremost root reasons why people chose to move to the west. A good number of people were motivated due to fascination towards way of life by the family members and the friends through the letters written to move to west.

Jefferson, too had faith in the westward expansion as he felt it reflects freedom/ independence and ownership.

Between 1846-1848, the war occured between America and Mexico as a result of the manifest destiny and attempts to impose the puritan way of life on everyone else. A large area was acquired by America. The desire was a spread of cultural, political and religious features of the Americans all over the North American Continent.

President James K.Polk and Zachary Taylor, General of American troops initiated the war. Abraham Lincoln had criticised this move. General Winfield Scott attacked southern Mexico which eventually fell. General Stephen Kearny brought victory on New Mexico.