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A belief can be a powerful and transformational force.
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In the 19th century, one belief would reshape the United States.
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This belief would highly influence policy, and though it would lead to conflicts and the displacement of others.
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It would also fuel rapid territorial and economic expansion.
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Increasing the power and prestige of the United States.
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This belief was called Manifest Destiny.
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What was Manifest Destiny?
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Manifest Destiny was the idea that Americans were destined.
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Destined by God to expand across North America to the Pacific Ocean.
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It was believed it was the right and duty of Americans to spread democracy, capitalism, and civilization.
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The term Manifest Destiny was first used in 1845 by journalist John O' Sullivan.
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In an article advocating for the annexation of Texas.
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While the term was new, the idea itself had deep roots in earlier American expansionism.
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Dating back to the colonial era and Thomas Jefferson's vision of an Empire of Liberty.
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Why did Manifest Destiny spread?
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Manifest Destiny gained traction in the 1840s and 1850s.
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The rapid spread was driven by a mix of political, economic, and social reasons.
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The political motivations.
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The US government and expansionist leaders saw westward expansion as a way to strengthen the nation.
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Increase land ownership and prevent European powers from gaining territory.
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Economic factors.
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Expansion provided new land for farming, industry, and trade.
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The discovery of resources like gold during the California Gold Rush of 1849.
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As well as fertile land in the West.
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Further motivated settlers to move westward and led to an increase in economic opportunities for many Americans.
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Technological advances.
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Railroads, steamboats, and the telegraph made travel and communication across the continent easier.
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Encouraging westward migration.
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A strong belief in American superiority also drove the spread of Manifest Destiny.
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Many Americans believed their way of life and culture was more advanced.
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Thus, it was a moral duty to spread their culture, religion, and democratic institutions to others.
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This attitude not only encouraged westward expansion, but justified the displacement of Native Americans and others standing in their way.
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What was the impact of Manifest Destiny?
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The impact of Manifest Destiny were far-reaching and complex. First, Manifest Destiny drove US territorial expansion throughout the 19th century.
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The nation gained vast lands through purchases, treaties, annexations, and even war.
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Most notably, the Mexican-American War.
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Secondly, it fostered economic growth.
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Expansion opened new lands for agriculture, mining, and settlements.
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Fueling the rise of industries and growing the economy.
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These actions were important in making the US wealthier and more powerful, especially on the world stage.
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A third consequence was it increased internal tensions in the US.
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The acquisition of new lands raised the question of whether these territories should allow slavery.
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This fueled tensions between the North and South and deepening the divide.
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Which ultimately led to the Civil War.
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Lastly, and unfortunately.
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The impact of Manifest Destiny led to displacement.
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As the US expanded, Native tribes were forcibly removed from their lands.
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Leading to the Trail of Tears and numerous conflicts.
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And eventually, the confinement of indigenous peoples to reservations.
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Though its legacy remains complex and controversial.
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Manifest Destiny was undeniably a powerful and unstoppable force.
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A force that would shape the United States into a global power.
