What was ‘Manifest Destiny’?

'Manifest Destiny' was the American ideology of the 18th century that held the belief that Amricans were destined to settle and claim the land to the west as part of American expansionism. It was the idea that it was a mission for American settlement to spread from coast to coast. With this ideology came the belief that part of this destiny allowed for the progress of liberty and industrial opportunities, but also had numerous consequences for those whose land was being conquered. The series of events that formulated with this ideology included the persecution of Native American tribes and the claiming of territories in Mexico through warfare. In conclusion this term was used as a justification for American expansionism, despite the underlying consequences it produced for non-American peoples. 

Answered by Danielle S. History tutor

4177 Views

See similar History GCSE tutors

Related History GCSE answers

All answers ▸

'Economic depression was the main reason Hitler came to power', to what extent do you agree? (16 marks)


How do I answer 6-mark questions? Eg. "Explain why Tsar Nicholas II had become unpopular by early 1917."


Explain why Hitler and the Nazi Party rose to power in 1933


How do I assess the usefulness of a source?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences