AP US History in 1 Minute Daily: Manifest Destiny (Day 119/309)

Welcome to today’s explanation of Manifest Destiny in my series- APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!

U.S. Territory and Statehood Status by Decade, 1790-1840 U.S. Census Bureau

In 1845, a new name for an old idea was coined by John O’Sullivan. “Manifest Destiny” reflected a core American belief and mindset about America’s foreordained future of spreading across the continent.

Westward the Course of Empire Takes Its Way, Wikimedia Commons

With a history of expansionist tendencies, Manifest Destiny continued American attitudes of racial and political superiority. Nationalist rhetoric and goals for economic development contributed to support for American attempts to conquer further western lands.

American Progress, Wikimedia Commons

Advocates of Manifest Destiny declared that the U.S. had a divine mission to extend power and influence from “sea to shining sea.” Democrats tended to support this patriotic mission to aid in becoming a world power.

Fort Laramie, Wikimedia Commons

However, some, including many Whigs, opposed this ideal. Arguments against Manifest Destiny were based on fears over the spread of slavery, the need to improve the current U.S. land claims, and the unethical methods used to expand.

Supporters of Manifest Destiny believed in the divine purpose of the U.S. to expand to the Pacific Coast. However, opponents argued against the violent practices of expansion.

Join me tomorrow as I explain the Texas Revolution in the next APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!