Manifest Destiny

“American Progress,” by John Gast, 1872, depicting the idea of Manifest Destiny

What Is Manifest Destiny?

Coined in the 1840s, the term “Manifest Destiny” is used to describe the mid-19^th-century American belief that it was the country’s divine destiny to expand westward to fill the American continent. During the era of Manifest Destiny, America acquired Texas in 1845, part of the Pacific Northwest (called the Oregon Country) in 1846, and much of the Southwest in 1848 so that the boundaries of U.S. territory reached from the Atlantic to the Pacific.

Background

The first use of the term “Manifest Destiny” is credited to John L. O’Sullivan in an 1845 article supporting the annexation of Texas by the United States. Although this was the first use of the phrase, the sentiment behind it had existed in the United States virtually since its settlement by Europeans. Though the idea was widespread, not all Americans supported Manifest Destiny, and even among supporters, there was disagreement over the methods used to acquire territory.

Key Events

Perhaps the clearest example of Manifest Destiny in action was the Mexican-American War (1846-48), which was sparked by disputes between the two nations over Texas. After the U.S. victory, the United States (under President James K. Polk) demanded land concessions from Mexico that would eventually total 525,000 square miles of what is now the American Southwest.

End & Effects

The push for American territorial expansion weakened in the years leading up to the Civil War, as additions to U.S. territory stoked sectional tensions over the spread of slavery into the new lands.

By the time the Manifest Destiny era came to a close, United States territory had grown to reach “from sea to shining sea.” But westward expansion had often come at the expense of non-Europeans—particularly Native Americans—who had been displaced, taken advantage of, and killed in the process.

In the late 19^th century, decades after the end of Manifest Destiny, America’s territorial ambitions outside its borders (in Cuba, Hawaii, Panama, and beyond) would lead to what is sometimes called the New Manifest Destiny.

Learn more about Manifest Destiny through historical newspapers from our archives. Explore newspaper articles, headlines, images, and other primary sources below.

Articles and Clippings about Manifest Destiny

Article in which John L. O'Sullivan first used the term Manifest Destiny, reprinted in a newspaper Wed, Sep 10, 1845 – 1 · Mississippi Democrat (Carrollton, Mississippi, United States of America) · Newspapers.comFamous John O'Sullivan quote about Manifest Destiny Wed, Sep 10, 1845 – 1 · Mississippi Democrat (Carrollton, Mississippi, United States of America) · Newspapers.comSummary of a discussion in the House of Representatives about Oregon Country and Manifest Destiny Sat, Jan 3, 1846 – 3 · The Washington Union (Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America) · Newspapers.comCongressman argues that Manifest Destiny is not a good reason to expand U.S. territory Tue, Jan 20, 1846 – 1 · The Washington Union (Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America) · Newspapers.comMember of House of Representatives calls Manifest Destiny a "heathenish and absurd idea" Thu, Feb 5, 1846 – 2 · Hartford Courant (Hartford, Hartford, Connecticut, United States of America) · Newspapers.comNewspaper letter to the editor arguing against Manifest Destiny and the Mexican-American War Sat, Jul 31, 1847 – 5 · Weekly National Intelligencer (Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America) · Newspapers.comJoke from 1847 about Manifest Destiny Wed, Dec 8, 1847 – 1 · Washington Telegraph (Washington, Arkansas, United States of America) · Newspapers.comEditorial disagrees with Polk administration; Argues against Manifest Destiny and war with Mexico Wed, Jan 5, 1848 – Page 1 · The Natchez Weekly Courier (Natchez, Adams, Mississippi) · Newspapers.comDemocrat newspaper editorial argues with Whigs' anti-Manifest Destiny stance Sat, Jun 28, 1851 – 2 · The Washington Union (Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America) · Newspapers.comImpassioned editorial condemning Manifest Destiny; Criticizes the destruction of Native Americans Wed, Jan 12, 1853 – Page 1 · The Weekly Pantagraph (Bloomington, McLean, Illinois) · Newspapers.comExcerpt from editorial: "Manifest Destiny leads us to desire more [...] despite of reason" Sat, Jun 25, 1853 – 3 · Weekly National Intelligencer (Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America) · Newspapers.comExcerpt from newspaper editorial proposing that Manifest Destiny is not tied to party politics Thu, Jul 7, 1853 – Page 4 · The New York Times (New York, New York, New York, United States of America) · Newspapers.comNewspaper draws connection between Manifest Destiny and the expansion of slavery Fri, Sep 2, 1853 – Page 2 · Lebanon Courier and Semi-Weekly Report (Lebanon, Lebanon, Pennsylvania) · Newspapers.comExcerpt from editorial supporting Manifest Destiny; Discusses how it should be pursued Sat, Nov 19, 1853 – 2 · The Washington Sentinel (Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America) · Newspapers.comEditorial says that US land acquisition to date (1854) is just the beginning under Manifest Destiny Sat, Jun 3, 1854 – Page 2 · Plymouth Advertiser (Plymouth, Huron, Ohio) · Newspapers.comEditorial supports American progress under Manifest Destiny; "Manifest Destiny is king" Wed, May 27, 1857 – 2 · The Luzerne Union (Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne, Pennsylvania, United States of America) · Newspapers.comCritical thinking activity for "American Progress" Manifest Destiny painting by John Gast Fri, Mar 1, 2002 – Page 41 · The Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America) · Newspapers.com