Manifest Destiny

“Manifest Destiny,” painting by John Gast, 1872.

Manifest Destiny is a phrase used by leaders and politicians in the 1840s to argue for the continental expansion by the United States. Writing in the Democratic Review, the editor John O’Sullivan stated it was “our manifest destiny to overspread the continent allotted by Providence for the free development of our yearly multiplying millions.”  Underneath this slogan is the idea that This slogan made Americans had a “mission” and God-given destiny to expand and acquire more land and power.

People in the United States felt it was their mission to extend the “boundaries of freedom” by imparting their ideas and beliefs to others. Excluded in this mission: Native American people and those of non-European origin. Manifest Destiny would be the explanation for pushing Native peoples into out of newly formed states and into "territories," as well as a war with Mexico. [source]

Day 1: Overview Activity on United States Expansion.

Day 2: Map Activity for Manifest Destiny.