Manifest Destiny: Key Concepts and Impacts

Manifest Destiny was a 19th-century ideology that justified American expansion across North America. Coined by John L. Sullivan in 1845, it was rooted in beliefs of divine providence, cultural superiority, and the mission to spread democracy and capitalism. It influenced political leaders, settlers, and religious figures, leading to significant territorial acquisitions like Texas, Oregon, and the Mexican Cession. However, it faced criticism for promoting slavery and displacing Native Americans. Over time, it evolved into a justification for U.S. imperialism, impacting overseas territories and shaping the nation's identity.

What was the core idea behind Manifest Destiny?

• A plan to isolate from global affairs

• A simple land acquisition strategy

• A moral duty to expand and progress

• A focus on maintaining existing territories

Who coined the term 'Manifest Destiny'?

• Andrew Jackson

• Thomas Jefferson

• John L. Sullivan

• James K. Polk

Which of the following was NOT a root of the Manifest Destiny ideology?

• Isolationism

• Spreading Democracy

• Cultural Superiority

• Divine Providence

Which U.S. President was a strong advocate of Westward Expansion?

• Theodore Roosevelt

• George Washington

• James K. Polk

• Abraham Lincoln

What was one of the major territorial acquisitions influenced by Manifest Destiny?

• The Louisiana Purchase

• The Oregon Treaty

• The Alaska Purchase

• The Gadsden Purchase

Which group was concerned that expansion would spread slavery?

• Entrepreneurs

• Abolitionists

• Religious Leaders

• Politicians

What was a major criticism of Manifest Destiny?

• It promoted peace with Native Americans

• It justified war and displacement

• It encouraged cultural exchange

• It focused on economic stability

How did Manifest Destiny evolve by the late 19th century?

• It became a justification for U.S. imperialism

• It focused solely on domestic issues

• It led to isolationist policies

• It was abandoned as a national policy

Which overseas territories were influenced by the evolved ideology of Manifest Destiny?

• Hawaii and Puerto Rico

• Greenland and Iceland

• Cuba and Jamaica

• Australia and New Zealand

What does the legacy of Manifest Destiny highlight?

• Only the positive aspects of expansion

• The decline of American influence

• Both ambition and the cost of expansion

• The success of isolationist policies