Manifest, clear, obvious apparent.

***

Why Is It Called “Manifest Destiny”?

Origin of the Term

The term “Manifest Destiny” was coined in 1845 by American journalist and editor John L. O’Sullivan. He used it in an article advocating for the annexation of Texas and later in support of American claims to the Oregon Territory.

• First Usage: In an essay titled “Annexation” published in the Democratic Review, O’Sullivan wrote that it was America’s “manifest destiny to overspread the continent allotted by Providence for the free development of our yearly multiplying millions.”

Meaning of the Term

“Manifest Destiny” combines two key words:

1. Manifest: Meaning clear, obvious, or apparent.

2. Destiny: Referring to a predetermined course of events, often seen as inevitable or ordained by fate.

Combined Interpretation:

• The term suggests that the United States had an obvious and inevitable fate to expand its territory across the entire North American continent.

• It implies that this expansion was justified and divinely sanctioned.

Reasons It Was Called “Manifest Destiny”

1. Divine Providence:

• Many Americans at the time believed that the expansion was not only justified but also commanded by God.

• The idea was that the U.S. had a mission to spread democracy and capitalism.

2. Sense of Inevitability:

• The term conveyed that American expansion was unavoidable and natural.

• It suggested that resisting this destiny was futile.

3. Moral Justification:

• Framing expansion as a manifest destiny provided a moral rationale for territorial acquisitions.

• It was used to justify actions like the displacement of Native American tribes and wars with other nations.

Historical Context

• 19th Century Expansionism: The concept emerged during a period when the U.S. was rapidly expanding westward.

• Key Events Associated with Manifest Destiny:

• Louisiana Purchase (1803): Doubled the nation’s size.

• Annexation of Texas (1845): Added significant territory.

• Oregon Trail Migration (1840s): Movement of settlers westward.

• Mexican-American War (1846-1848): Led to the acquisition of the Mexican Cession, including present-day California and Southwest regions.

• Gadsden Purchase (1853): Acquired land for a southern transcontinental railroad.

Impact of the Concept

• Policy Influence:

• Guided U.S. foreign and domestic policies toward expansion.

• Justified negotiations, purchases, and conflicts aimed at acquiring new territories.

• Cultural and Social Effects:

• Fostered a sense of nationalism and American exceptionalism.

• Encouraged settlers to move west, leading to the development of new states.

• Negative Consequences:

• Displacement of Native Americans: Led to forced removals and loss of indigenous lands.

• Conflict with Other Nations: Justified wars and territorial disputes.

• Slavery Expansion Debate: Intensified conflicts over the spread of slavery into new territories, contributing to tensions leading up to the Civil War.

Criticism and Legacy

• Ethnocentrism and Imperialism:

• The concept has been criticized for promoting the idea that American culture was superior.

• Seen as a guise for imperialistic ambitions.

• Modern Perspective:

• Historians view Manifest Destiny as a reflection of the attitudes and beliefs of 19th-century America.

• It is recognized for its significant role in shaping U.S. history, both positively and negatively.

Conclusion

The term “Manifest Destiny” encapsulated the belief that American expansion across the continent was obvious, justified, and inevitable. It was called this because proponents saw it as a clear (manifest) fate (destiny) ordained by a higher power. This concept profoundly influenced American policy and identity in the 19th century, leaving a complex legacy that is still examined and discussed today.

References:

• John L. O’Sullivan’s Writings: Original essays where the term was coined.

• Historical Analyses: Studies on U.S. expansionism and its effects on indigenous populations and international relations.

• Contemporary Critiques: Scholarly works discussing the implications and morality of Manifest Destiny.