Causes Of Manifest Destiny

Since the first Puritan settlement of America by the Massachusetts Bay Colony “City on a Hill” here to the United States of America’ with the involvement in the affairs of foreign countries,it’s clear that Americans really wanted to spread their Democratic ideals coast to coast. The main point of Manifest Destiny, which was a widespread into Pre- Civil War, which expressed the beliefs that Americans should expand their ideas of liberty, freedom, and democracy to the entire world. The Manifest Destiny process was precipitated by some political pressure. The pressure came from Pro-slavery and Anti-slavery with the fear of foreign threats, these factors motivated the nation to expand. From foreign threats, political pressure, slavery, the Mexican-American
war and just wanting to take over were the causes of westward expansion.

In particular, one of the most important factors that had motivation for Americans migrating west was all the pressure concerning the issue of slavery.
Congressmen in the South wanted to annex the Republic of Texas into the Union because slavery was established there, and this would give them the leg up to trip the scale in their favor. So in response Anti-slavery faction rapidly moved to Oregon Country. Both sides feared that one side would get the upper hand while there was more land to settle nearby. In this manner western lands continued to be settled in order to maintain the fragile balance between both sides. With the migrating to the new areas, they felt the need to protect their beliefs regarding the institution of slavery they must, migrate west to spread their beliefs. The pressure of slavery paid a huge factor in the rapid settlement of western lands during this time
era.

Under James Polk America grew more than million square feet. Adding territory that now composes the states of Arizona, Utah, Nevada, California, much of New Mexico, and portions of Wyoming, Montana, and Colorado. Polk pursued "Manifest Destiny". Manifest Destiny is a term for the attitude prevalent during the 19th century period of American expansion that the United States not only could but was destined to stretch from coast to coast. From the start of Polk’s presidency he was determined to expand. Polk wanted to integrate to California to expan coast to coast. The integrated of California was one the four great measures that Polk hope to accomplish. Polk had an expansionist impulse which is known as Manifest Destiny. The condition of the Treaty of Guadalupe which ended the war the government of Mexico ceded to the United States. Which led to a vast amount of the state of California. So before he got into office he knew what he want to do and accomplished it.

Manifest Destiny was supported by many Americans.
Most northerners who were troubled by economic instability , believed that it would make urban areas less crowded. Also with the expansion of more western land it left more room for the railroads to be extend from the east to the west. Which would support the trade process and help with the economic instability. The expansion would also gives more Americans access to the Pacific Ocean, which could open up trade opportunities overseas. Some believed the expansion would help end slavery because it would shift most of the slave population westward. Most argued that the expanding would help get rid of the United States foreign influences, and make America look stronger in the eyes of the
world.

In the book “The American Story” By Robert Divine. He makes a reference to the idea that most Americans believed in the idea of the expansion, and that is was God’s will that America should expand westward. This played an important part in justifying the actions of the nation. This was called the Nation of God’s will or Divine Providence. There were a cost they had to play with the expansion. One was the Mexican-American War. This war resulted from conflicts between Texas and Mexico. After receiving their independence from Mexico in 1836, Texas was annexed by the United States in 1845 which led war because the United States claimed ownership of more land than Mexico was willing to cede to the United States. The victory over Mexico play a huge role in the expansion. Territories gained hold a significantly large part of proof to Americans shows that its was God’s will which justified decisions to break treaties with the quest to expand from coast to coast, ocean to ocean.

Another important factor that jump started westward settlem was American fear of foreign threats especially from France. Before 1803, France claimed the ownership of territory west of the Mississippi, later known as the Louisiana Territory. Although the French couldn't never hope to conquer the United States with their meager of population, many Americans feared that France had secret plans to eventually dominate North America. Constant fear of these foreign (with today's attacks Pray for Paris) motivated the Americans to travel west and claim land of their own. Americans took the country's future into their own hands with the following of Manifest Destiny and spreading westward. Eventually Americans became over populated in the Louisiana Territory that Napoleon of France decided to sell the territory to the United States. Before the purchase with fear of being conquered by France they moved into French territory to claim in it as their own. This shows when Americans are pressured they could rise to the occasion and achieve what they wanted.

In the history of America, there were many instances Americans acted out Manifest Destiny. Which lead to the spread of their beliefs across the continent. Americans had motivation from a number of factors, political pressure, slavery, fear of foreign threats, the Mexican-American War to expand west and acquire new land for their country. Although the process they spread their beliefs of liberty, freedom, and democracy to the whole North American continent, that made an everlasting impact on history for many more years to come.