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How did the manifest destiny shape the United States of America?

Elvera Scoyles

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The Manifest Destiny was a belief that became very popular among Americans in the 19th century, and it had a significant impact on the shaping of the United States of America.

The Manifest Destiny was the idea that it was America's destiny to expand westward and to absorb all the land that lay in its path. It was a belief that was rooted in the American psyche, and it drove the country's expansionism for many decades.

The Manifest Destiny had a profound impact on the United States of America. It helped to shape the country into a continental power, with territories spanning from coast to coast. It also helped to create a new American identity, one that was based on the idea of unstoppable forward progress and constant growth.

However, the impact of the Manifest Destiny was not all positive. It was driven by a sense of American exceptionalism, a belief that America was superior to all other nations and had a divine right to expand. This sense of superiority led to a disregard for the rights and wellbeing of the Native American tribes that were displaced or annihilated in the process of westward expansion.

The Manifest Destiny also contributed to the outbreak of the Civil War in the 1860s. Many of the states that seceded from the Union did so because they felt that their Manifest Destiny had been thwarted by the government's opposition to slavery.

Despite these negative consequences, the legacy of the Manifest Destiny remains an important part of American history. It showcases the American spirit of conquest and ambition, which helped to make the United States the powerhouse it is today. It also serves as a reminder of the dangers of exceptionalism and the importance of balancing ambition with compassion for others.

In conclusion, the Manifest Destiny was a fundamental belief that helped to shape the United States of America. It helped to create a new identity for the country, one that was based on a sense of unstoppable forward progress and constant growth. However, it was also rooted in American exceptionalism, which contributed to the displacement and destruction of Native American people and the outbreak of the Civil War. Today, the legacy of the Manifest Destiny serves as both a symbol of American ambition and a cautionary tale.