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Who were the victims and who were the beneficiaries of Manifest Destiny?

Leesa Wanklin

Well, as a regular user of social media, I have come across the 'Manifest Destiny' many times, especially when it comes to discussions about the history of America. It has always been a topic that divides opinions, and people have different views on who were the victims and beneficiaries of Manifest Destiny.

Firstly, let's start with who the victims were. In my opinion, the Native Americans were the primary victims of Manifest Destiny. The idea of American expansionism resulted in the forced removal of many Native American tribes from their ancestral land. This displacement led to the loss of their culture, identity, and traditions, and many suffered from major depression, poverty, and sickness. Additionally, the United States government made treaties with the Native American tribes, which they often broke and led to the loss of their resources as well.

Slaves were also victims of Manifest Destiny. The idea of 'Manifest Destiny' was that America was expanding, and more land meant more opportunities to build settlements, infrastructure, and farms. These activities required cheap, manual labor, and enslaved African Americans were forced to work in these conditions for many years. These slaves were treated harshly, and many died in the pursuit of American expansionism.

Now, let's talk about who the beneficiaries were. Some people believe that American citizens, as a whole, benefited from Manifest Destiny. As the United States expanded, it opened opportunities for new businesses, jobs, and homes, and many citizens were able to claim land in the west. This expansion led to the development of the infrastructure and the formation of new states that were part of the United States.

However, not everyone in America benefited from Manifest Destiny. The wealthy and powerful individuals, such as slave and landowners, were the real beneficiaries. Manifest Destiny gave them the opportunity to exploit the resources of the newly acquired territories without any fear of resistance and without the need to adhere to the rights of those they displaced.

In conclusion, Manifest Destiny was a contentious policy that affected many people in America. While some citizens benefited from the prospects of a growing nation, the victims endured untold suffering. The Native Americans lost their homes, culture, and traditions, while slaves were brutalized in the pursuit of American expansionism. In the future, it's important to learn from these lessons and work towards a brighter future where everyone is treated equitably.