John O Sullivan's Manifest Destiny

“Manifest Destiny” is by far one of the most important terminologies in American history; and, is a crucial stepping stone towards the making of the American nation. However, it is neither a written law or a process. “Manifest Destiny” was coined by John O’ Sullivan, an influential political writer and American columnist, in his essay “Annexation” written in 1845 which was influenced by American-Mexican war. It is the notion believed by Americans that expanding to the West is a self-fulfilling prophecy, their right and would happen with a natural course of events. Sullivan repeatedly uses the word “natural course of events” to highlight that he believes America is entitled to conquer. “Manifest Destiny” can almost be considered as a religious cause. In his essay “Annexation,” Sullivan mentions that the developing the West and spreading the idea of liberty and democracy is “(their) right of (their) manifest destiny” which the “Providence” Himself has entrusted them with and makes it a religious and moral obligation for the Americans. This idea is vividly portrayed in the
It began with the victory in the American War of Independence against one of the most powerful countries in the world, the Great Britain, creating the idea that it was God’s will that Americans possesses the land. Louisiana Purchase, under the reign of Thomas Jefferson, followed along the course which doubled the size of American. The idea gained more popularity as Thomas Jefferson himself aimed to build self- sustaining agrarian American empire from east to west coast. Thus, Louisiana Purchase can be seen as a fuse in sparking the notion of “Manifest Destiny.” Sullivan repeatedly mentioned the inefficiency and inadequacy of the Mexican government in protecting their northern and less populated territories which made the annexation of Texas a natural event which didn’t require much effort from the American