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Exploring Manifest Destiny: American Exceptionalism and Territorial Expansion

This exploration delves into Manifest Destiny, the 19th-century doctrine asserting that the expansion of the United States across the American continents was both justified and inevitable. Drawing on John Gast's iconic painting, "American Progress," and John Melish's informative maps, we analyze the sentiments of the era, including the belief in American exceptionalism. Through a close reading of John O'Sullivan's writings, we discuss the perceived divine right to expand and reflect on the moral implications of this viewpoint. Examining these historical texts encourages discussions about America's unique role in history.

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Exploring Manifest Destiny: American Exceptionalism and Territorial Expansion

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Presentation Transcript

  1. Manifest Destiny manifest: clear or obvious destiny: future or fate

  2. John Gast, American Progress, 1872

  3. Map of the United States, 1872

  4. Contemporary Map of the 1816 United States

  5. John Melish, Map of the U.S. with the contiguous British and Spanish Possessions,1816

  6. Melish’s comments on his 1816 map of the United States To present the country this way was desirable . . . The map shows at a glance the whole extent of the United States territory from sea to sea. In tracing the probable expansion of the human race from east to west, the mind finds an agreeable resting place on its western limits. The view is complete and leaves nothing to be wished for. It also adds to the beauty and symmetry of the map. Source: John Melish. Map of the United States with the contiguous British and Spanish Possessions. Philadelphia, 1816.

  7. “Manifest Destiny” and the writing of John O’Sullivan • Practice your best close reading skills • Re-read • Annotate • Ask questions • “Chunk” the text • Visualize • Paraphrase the text in your own words as you answer the questions! • TALK your way through the questions with your partner.

  8. DISCUSSION • Why did Americans think they were so special? • Are you surprised by the reasons that O’Sullivan gives for expansion? Do you think he really believes that God wants Americans to expand? • This theory that Americans are special is called “American Exceptionalism.” It’s this idea that America has had such a unique history and has become so powerful that there’s something really special about it. What do you think about this theory?

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