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In the 19th century, the concept of Manifest Destiny was firmly ingrained in the American psyche, whereby it was widely believed that the United States had a divine mission to expand its territory and promote democracy and capitalism throughout the continent. This notion gained momentum during the 1840s and became a central impetus behind American expansionism, which ultimately resulted in the acquisition of new territories and the forced displacement of Native American communities. The repercussions of Manifest Destiny were profound, permeating the political, social, and economic fabric of the United States for generations to follow.
Manifest Destiny exerted a profound impact on the territorial expansion of the United States throughout the North American continent.
During the early 19th century, the United States was geographically limited to the eastern seaboard, with limited landmass under its control. The principle of Manifest Destiny acted as a catalyst, motivating a cohort of leaders, settlers, and businesspeople to embark on a westward quest, driven by the prospect of discovering novel resources, territories, and prospects for development.
According to historian Frederick Merk, Manifest Destiny "permeated the national consciousness and became an ideology that legitimized American territorial expansion." This ideology was fueled by a combination of nationalism, religious fervor, and a belief in the superiority of American culture and values.
The territorial expansion endeavors of the United States resulted in a considerable increase in its land mass.
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The series of acquisitions, which began with the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, instantaneously doubled the country's size and added a vast expanse of land to the west of the Mississippi River.
Another substantial expansion occurred in 1845 with the annexation of the Republic of Texas, which enlarged the nation's territory significantly. The Mexican-American War between 1846-1848 further extended the U.S. borders, leading to the acquisition of a significant portion of land, including California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas, and Oklahoma. Finally, in 1867, the United States further expanded its land area by purchasing Alaska from Russia, adding an additional 586,000 square miles.
The territorial expansion of the United States had far-reaching political and economic implications. As the nation gained new territories, it became necessary to establish new states and territories, leading to political conflicts surrounding sensitive issues such as slavery, representation, and the distribution of power between the North and South regions. The addition of Texas to the Union, for instance, incited a protracted and acrimonious dispute regarding the expansion of slavery into untapped regions, culminating in the tragic Civil War.
The westward expansion of the United States had significant economic implications due to the availability of untapped lands and resources, which presented opportunities for entrepreneurs and pioneers. An example of such opportunities is the discovery of gold in California in 1848, which triggered a massive influx of migrants, including settlers and miners, to the region. This resulted in the emergence of new urban centers, industries, and the development of necessary infrastructure to support economic growth.
However, the expansion of the United States also had a devastating impact on Native American populations. As American settlers moved westward, they encountered a diverse array of Native American tribes, many of whom had been living on the land for centuries. The United States government, eager to acquire new lands and resources, used a variety of tactics to displace and subjugate Native American populations, including forced relocation, military campaigns, and broken treaties.
As historian Howard Zinn writes, "The westward expansion of the United States was not just a matter of taking over uninhabited territory. It involved a deliberate and systematic effort to displace, subjugate, and exterminate Native American peoples." The effects of this displacement were profound, leading to the loss of land, culture, and life for millions of Native Americans.
The legacy of Manifest Destiny continues to shape the United States today. The expansion of the United States across the North American continent helped to create the country we know today, with its vast territory, diverse population, and complex political and economic system. However, it also had profound and lasting effects on the people who were displaced and subjugated in the name of American expansionism.
In conclusion, the effect of Manifest Destiny on the United States was far-reaching and complex.
What was the effect of Manifest Destiny. (2023, Apr 14). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/what-was-the-effect-of-manifest-destiny-essay
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