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Manifest Destiny

Manifest Destiny. Americans Head West. I. Multiplying by the millions. Manifest Destiny The idea that the nation had a God-given right to all of North America. John L. Sullivan, newspaper editor, first used the term.

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Manifest Destiny

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  1. Manifest Destiny Americans Head West

  2. I. Multiplying by the millions • Manifest Destiny • The idea that the nation had a God-given right to all of North America. • John L. Sullivan, newspaper editor, first used the term. • In 1845 he wrote that “our manifest destiny [is to] overspread the continent allotted by the Providence [God’s power] for the free development of yearly multiplying millions.” • Most Americans gave little thought to how manifest destiny would affect peoples already living in regions to be added to the United States

  3. II. Polk and manifest destiny • President James A. Polk • Enthusiastic supporter of national expansion • He wanted the nation to acquire the land between Texas and the Pacific Ocean. • New Mexico and California belonged to Mexico • Polk believed they should become part of the United States

  4. “To enlarge [the United States] is to extend the dominions of peace over additional territories and increasing millions… my duty [is] to assert and maintain… the right of the United States to that portion of our territory which lies beyond the Rocky Mountains.”

  5. Areas were sparsely populated • Mexican military had little presence in the area. • Polk used any opportunity to acquire these remote regions

  6. III. Reasons for westward movement • Personal reasons • Mountain men – trap and trade • Missionaries • Lumberjacks and miners – capitalize on the regions natural resources. • Farmers • Most were relatively poor • Had a chance to gain a great deal by moving west. • Entrepreneurs – people willing to invest their own money in the hope of making a profit. • Shopkeepers, carpenters, and other businesspeople

  7. Questions? • What types of people headed west, and for what reasons? • What did the Americans who headed west in the 1840s and 1850s have in common? • Based on James Polk’s election, what were American attitudes about Texas? • What role did manifest destiny play in James K. Polk’s administration? • What is know as the belief that the United States should spread across the North America continent from coast to coast? • Refer to inauguration quote. What does Polk see as his duty? • What reasons does Polk give to support U.S. expansion?

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