Manifest Destiny

Manifest Destiny is a phrase that expressed the belief that the United States had a divinely inspired mission to expand, to progress, and to spread its form of democracy and freedom. Originally a political catch phrase of the nineteenth century, Manifest Destiny eventually became a standard historical term, often used as a synonym for the territorial expansion of the United States across North America towards the Pacific Ocean.

Related Topics:
United States - Catch phrase - Nineteenth century - Expansion - North America - Pacific Ocean

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Manifest Destiny was always a general notion rather than specific policy or ideology. In addition to territorial expansionism, the term also encompassed notions of idealism, American exceptionalism, nationalism, and a belief in the inherent greatness of what was then called the "Anglo-Saxon race". Given this variety of components, the phrase defies precise definition. As Ernest Lee Tuveson has written: "A vast complex of ideas, policies, and actions is comprehended under the phrase 'Manifest Destiny.' They are not, as we should expect, all compatible, nor do they come from one source."{{fn|1}}

Related Topics:
American exceptionalism - Nationalism - Anglo-Saxon

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The phrase was first used primarily by Jackson Democrats in the 1840s to promote the annexation of much of what is now the Western United States: the Oregon Territory, the Texas Annexation, and the Mexican Cession. The term was revived in the 1890s, this time with Republican supporters, as a theoretical justification for U.S. intervention outside of North America. The term fell out of common usage by American politicians, but some commentators believe that aspects of Manifest Destiny continued to have an influence on American political ideology in the twentieth century.{{fn|2}}

Related Topics:
Jackson Democrat - Western United States - Oregon Territory - Texas Annexation - Mexican Cession - Republican

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~