Introduction
Manifest destiny is a term used in the United States to describe the westward expansion of America, which took place in the period 1861-65. It was invented by John O’Sullivan, a journal editor in the country. According to him, the “manifest destiny overspread the continent allotted by Providence for the free development of the yearly multiplying millions” (O’Sullivan, 1939). He thought that the concept was predestined by God as a way of spreading the nation’s rule across the world.
The concept of Manifest Destiny elucidates the states of mind of many expansionist principle makers of the period who worked hard in an attempt to push America’s borders towards the west. Most of the political leaders in the nation used ‘manifest destiny’ to justify their attempts towards getting hold of territories such as Oregon and California. The nation’s plan to spread its rule over the continent as seen in the manifest destiny was thus right and ordinary (Henretta, Edwards & Self, 2011).
Main Body
Manifest destiny led to the nation’s development towards a better society and helped it to achieve some of its great dreams. Through the concept, political and social organizations in America became superior compared to those of other nations. The nation’s attempt to push its borders towards the West helped uproot many Indians from America, which created more space for settlers. The creation of more space also led to the construction of a transcontinental railroad, which connected both the eastern and western parts of the nation (Henretta, Edwards & Self, 2011).
John O’Sullivan while supporting the nations attempt to move westwards asserted;
The far-reaching, boundless future will be the era of American greatness. In its magnificent domain of space and time, the nation of many nations is destined to manifest to mankind the excellence of divine principles; to establish on earth the noblest temple ever dedicated to the worship of the Highest—the Sacred and the True. Its floor shall be a hemisphere—its roof the firmament of the star-studded heavens (Hubbard, 2008, p. 408).
Through Manifest Destiny, America’s territory doubled and this was beneficial to Indians and other societies in the newly acquired lands since it spread the nation’s beliefs and values. The western expansion as seen in Manifest Destiny strengthened the foundation of the new American Union making it indestructible.
The United States “Manifest Destiny” of Westward expansion to the Pacific Ocean helped expand the nation. Since the nation’s population was increasing at a high rate, America needed to expand to create room for its people. Research shows that “expansion into new territories was necessary to accommodate a dramatic increase in U.S. population” (Caughfield, 2005). The expansion also made America safe for its citizens. According to Caufield, the expansion made America “to rest on a foundation that cannot be moved” (Caughfield, 2005).
The acquisition of lands, which was made possible through manifest destiny, bolstered the American union. It made the American citizens dream about vast opportunities and inspired them to convert plains and fertile lands into agricultural land, which helped in building up America. Mountjoy states;
As our population has expanded, the Union has been cemented and strengthened. As our boundaries have been enlarged and our agricultural population has been spread over a large surface, our federative system has acquired additional strength and security. It may well be doubted whether it would not be in greater danger of overthrow if our present population was confined to the comparatively narrow limits of the original thirteen States than it is now that they are sparsely settled over a more expanded territory. It is confidently believed that our system may be safely extended to the utmost bounds of our territorial limits and that as it shall be extended the bonds of our Union, so far from being weakened, will become stronger (Mountjoy, 2009).
Conclusion
Overall, it was right for America to push westwards. This is summed up by O’Sullivan in his statement “Prevent the American people from crossing the Rocky Mountains? You might as well command Niagara not to flow. We must fulfill our destiny”(O’Sullivan, 1939).
References
Caughfield, A. (2005). True women & westward expansion. Texas: A&M University Press.
Henretta, A., Edwards, R., & Self, O. (2011). America’s History. New York: Bedford Martins.
Mountjoy, S. (2009). Manifest Destiny: Westward Expansion. New York: Chelsea House Publishers.
O’Sullivan, J. L. (1939).The Great Nation of Futurity. Ohio: Kent State University Press.
Hubbard, B. (2008). American boundaries: the nation, the states, the rectangular. Chicago : University of Chicago Press.