manifest destiny

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Manifest Destiny Essay

Manifest destiny was a huge issue in American society and although it is hard to put its events and issues in a set date rage, most of the action occurred from the early 1800’s through the 1850’s and 60’s. Although a big issue itself, the idea of manifest destiny also involved many other aspects of American culture that were cause for attention such as race, religion, immigration and foreign relations. In my opinion the idea of territorial expansion in the west was always in the backs of Americans minds. This idea was most likely not during colonization because when you are a weak little colony it is hard to imagine being a large independent nation, let alone think like one. However, during and after the fight for independence I feel it would be hard not to think of the land and possibilities lying in the west and wanting to go after it.

In general, manifest destiny is the idea that westward expansion of America to the Pacific was a clear purpose that the nation was destined to fulfill. The term “manifest destiny” was first used in and article published in a journal called The Democratic Review in 1845. This idea gave Americans a hunger for land with the reasoning behind it being that it was meant to happen but what that land was used for and why people would settle there, however, was up to individuals to decide.

Being a farmer was an American ideal during the 1800’s, and westward expansion contributed to this ideal. Much of the east consisted of cities where as farmers looked to the open unsettled lands in the west as perfect places to fulfill their “American dream”. I believe the land out west held new and exciting opportunities for pioneers and people just looking for a change of pace, especially when workers in cities often lived in crowded tenements and worked in harsh dangerous conditions. They often worked extremely long hours with no breaks, and worked with tools and dangerous equipment.

Another important aspect of...