Did John O Sullivan Pursue The Feminist Expansion Of America?

John O’Sullivan was an American columnist and editor. He used the term manifest destiny to describe the rapid movement of America expanding. The mid-19th century belief was that the expansion of America was inevitable- it was necessary to expand from coast to coast (Opposing Viewpoints Book <PUT PAGE #>). Underlying the American mission was a feeling of cultural-or racial-superiority. Americans believed that they had a right to move west. Americans began their quest by gradually moving westward, but in the mid-1800’s they pushed across the continent in search of nationalism and social perfection. The movement began with the presidency of James K. Polk. In 1844 Polk spoke his inauguration speech in front of the country and began expanding the Union. He also began a great war with the semi-powerful country of Mexico. Texas was a large chunk of land previously owned by Mexico; however, Texas won their independence and desired to be annexed into the Union. Polk began the process thus waging war against Mexico over Texas. <INSERT Mexican American War>. …show more content…
Oregon was an extensive region lying west of the Rocky Mountains. Spain relinquished its claims to Oregon with the Transcontinental Treaty. John Quincy Adams, in 1819, acquired Florida from Spain and gave up its claims to Texas under the Louisiana Purchase. After Russia gave up their rights to Oregon, Britain and the United States battled for the territory. Daniel Webster and Lord Ashburton discussed the Oregon issue in 1842, but did not reach an agreement. The presidential election in 1844 decided how the land was split up at the 54-40 line. Creating a northern Border for America and making manifest destiny in