Question

Fully explain,describe and discuss the consequences of Manifest destiny,If any

Answer 1

Answer- Manifest Destiny is a phrase that was coined in 1845, expressing the philosophy that was responsible for driving the 19th-century U.S. territorial expansion. Manifest Destiny expressed that the United States was destined, by God and its advocates to expand its dominion and spread democracy and capitalism across the entire North American continent. Manifest Destiny, thereby, caused the Americans to feel a sense of entitlement, greed, and hunger for power.

Positive Consequences-

Manifest Destiny greatly impacted the country, it was the force behind America’s expeditious expansion into the West. A few examples of its impact on the country are-

i) It helped fuel the western settlement and drove many Native Americans out of America. Manifest Destiny led to the annexation of Texas, which happened in 1845 when James K. Polk, the U.S. President, was in favor of the idea of annexation and made it possible by negotiating with Texas, thus making it the first big expansion for America later, in the year 1846, when the Northwest set boundaries at the 49th parallel. This emerged when Britain and the United States agreed upon the extension of the boundary, which also established the current boundary between the United States and Canada.

ii) Next in line was the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which was between the U.S and Mexico after America won the war in 1846. In this treaty, Mexico accepted the Rio Grande as the border between Texas and Mexico, giving the New Mexico and California territories to the United States, which the U.S. agreed to pay $15 million for. This newly acquired land included what is now California, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, most of Arizona, and parts of Colorado and Wyoming.

iii) In 1853, was the Gadsden Purchase, when James Gadsden paid Mexico $10 million for the territory south of the Gila River, making this the final expansion establishing the current borders of the United States. Manifest Destiny had an enormous impact on the United States, accelerating its expansion to the Pacific, thereby making America what it is today.

Manifest Destiny also had a significant impact on the people of the United States, as it is what made the people themselves explore and settle in the west. The abundant lands in the west, accompanied by the new markets, and personal economic problems of people in the east were the primary reasons that made people like the idea of settling in the west, as it served as an answer to their problems. People were convinced that they would be better off attempting a fresh start in the West. After the last expansion, gold was discovered at Sutter's’ Mill, bringing many more Americans from the East, and benefitting them greatly, even bringing in people from outside America, thereby revolutionizing America's economy. Therefore, it is rational to state that Manifest Destiny brought in money, resources, land, and a strengthened economy to the people of America.

Negative Consequences-

There were also extreme negative consequences of Manifest Destiny.

i) The idea that it was their destiny to expand caused Americans to disregard the territorial rights of Native Americans, driving out many tribes and therefore, causing a cultural divide, tension, and wars. The negative impact that this had on Native Americans had long lasting effects.

ii) Manifest Destiny also caused war and tension with Mexico due to similar reasons. Manifest Destiny caused Americans to feel a sense of entitlement, greed, and a hunger for power. Americans wanted to be the absolute best, even if it meant that it would cause disruption.

iii) Another negative effect was the effect this had on slavery, as with the expansion came more farms, which in turn meant a greater need for slave workers, even though Manifest Destiny later brought on debates about slaves, helping to end slavery.