166 - Manifest Destiny - One Minute History

Manifest Destiny, coined by John O'Sullivan in 1845, was the belief that the U.S. was destined to expand across North America, spreading its values and democratic ideals. It justified territorial expansion, including the annexation of Texas and the Mexican-American War, driven by economic, political, and religious motives. This ideology played a significant role in settling the American West and established a national justification for imperialism and the exploitation of Native American lands, impacting American history and cultural identity.

What were some of the motives behind the belief in manifest destiny?

In what ways did manifest destiny impact Native American lands?