Silken Weinberg
A.P. U.S. History
Mrs. Garrett
February 19, 2009
Chapter 27 Essay Practice
“Our Manifest Destiny is to overspread the continent allotted by providence for the free development of our yearly multiplying millions”, John L. O’Sullivan, 1845. America was destined to expand, and it was inevitable. Manifest Destiny in the nineteenth century continued through to the late nineteenth century and onto the early twentieth century. The expansion that the United States experienced in the late nineteenth century is merely a continuation of the westward expansion experienced in the early nineteenth century. Instead of expanding across the North American continent, the United States had nowhere to expand other than outside of North America, and maybe even outside of the western hemisphere.
The beginning of Manifest Destiny included the annexation of much of the Western United States, such as the Oregon Territory, the annexation of Texas, and the Mexican Cession. This expansion was proof that the United States was destined for power and prosperity. America was becoming so economically stable and powerful that expansion was expected and almost unavoidable. Citizens of the United States were also supportive of the expansion and believed it was necessary. Since we have resources such as a powerful navy and growing production, an increase in volume is crucial. (Doc. C.) . After this first surge of expansion, another soon followed within the late nineteenth century. Only this time, the United States sought territory that it had never sought before. America was preparing for expansion across the globe and many knew that it would cause competition amongst other leading countries. Social Darwinism and the ultimate “Survivor of the Fittest” would soon occur. (Doc. B)
