Origins of Manifest Destiny
This term was coined by journalist John L. O'Sullivan in 1845 to describe America's divine right to expand westward.
What is Manifest Destiny?
Prior to the 1800s, which territorial gain was significant for the United States?
the Northwest Territory
This 1846 conflict between the U.S. and Mexico was the military manifestation of Manifest Destiny, resulting in significant territorial gains.
Mexican-American War
Who was "saying" it was Americans duty to conquer the western territories and unify the nation?
God
What was the purpose of Manifest Destiny? 2 things
1) to move West
2) settle the land
The 1846 treaty between the U.S. and Great Britain set the boundary at the 49th parallel, and it secured which northwestern territory for the United States?
the Oregon Territory
This 1849 event caused a massive migration to California, driven by the discovery of gold and the promise of prosperity.
California Gold Rush
This movement, driven by Manifest Destiny, resulted in the establishment of farming communities and the spread of U.S. culture across the West.
Westward Expansion
This U.S. president, who was in office from 1845 to 1849, is most often associated with promoting Manifest Destiny.
James Polk
The U.S. annexed this independent republic in 1845, which was once part of Mexico.
Texas
This act of 1862 provided land grants to individuals willing to settle and farm the western frontier, supporting the idea of westward expansion.
Homestead Act
Manifest Destiny helped cement the U.S. as a continental power but also contributed to the intensification of debates over this never solved issue, leading to the Civil War.
slavery
What was the even that began Westward Expansion and what president did it occur under?
1) the Louisiana Purchase
2) Thomas Jefferson
From which country did the United States get the territory which would become states like California, Colorado and Nevada?
Mexico
This route was well traveled and brought many Americans West to settle in the newly acquired lands.
the Oregon Trail
Manifest Destiny would help spread what all across the newly settled lands?
democracy OR freedom
The phrase "Manifest Destiny" refers to the belief that the U.S. had a divine obligation to expand from what to what?
From the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean
What was America's second best deal on land? What did we purchase and from whom?
1) Alaska
2) Russia
The construction of this vital transportation project, completed in 1869, connected the eastern U.S. to the western territories and was a direct outcome of Manifest Destiny.
Transcontinental Railroad
Which group would be the most negatively impacted by Manifest Destiny? Which event (that we already studied) helped prove that?
1) Native Americans
2) Trail of Tears / forced movement of the Cherokee from Georgia to Oklahoma