Manifest Destiny Dbq

Following the end of the War of 1812 the American nation could be described as an ambitious man with idle time on his hands. He has just solidified his role in the world and gained the respect of his adversaries by putting up a solid fight. Regardless of the actual outcome of his conflict, he believes himself to the winner. Personification aside, the newfound confidence- whether or not it was deserved- brought forth new feelings of entitlement which accelerated and perpetuated the nations expansion towards the west. Although the United States seems to be perpetually proliferating its western population, the early 19th century has differentiated itself from the rest of history in terms of this expansion. Most empirical differentiator was its rapid unification of six states between 1816 and 1821. The early 19th century national government prioritized stimulation of westward expansion, more so than other points in history. Soldiers were guaranteed western lands in return for enlisting in the army and funding was increased for projects that connected the east to the west such as roads. In addition the government came out with the homestead acts to give citizens land in the west. …show more content…
This was first coined by John O Sullivan who stated, “Our manifest destiny is to overspread the continent allotted by Providence for the free development of our yearly multiplying millions.” This was a glamorized platter of ideals the settlers adopted so they wouldn’t have to think too hard about the ethnic cleansing was being committed. To accept something as your destiny means to believe your future was decided for you regardless of your own action. Americans believed their continental expansion was inevitable and the atrocities suffered by the Native Americans and Black Americans were consequence of their destiny and not their