Introduction to Manifest Destiny

and Westward Expansion

“The American claim is by the right of our manifest destiny to overspread and possess the whole of the continent which Providence has given us for the development of the great experiment of liberty and self government entrusted to us”

John O’Sullivan:

Come up with a definition of manifest destiny based on O’Sullivan’s quote:

“The American claim is by the right of our manifest destiny to overspread and possess the whole of the continent which Providence has given us for the development of the great experiment of liberty and self government entrusted to us”

What does that mean?

The 19th-century belief that US expansion throughout North and South America was both justified and inevitable

Manifest Destiny

Where have we seen this before?

Manifest Destiny before now…

What other territories can we expand into?

What problems might exist?

Expansion Map

List 3 reasons why we need to expand West

(think like a person living in the 1800s!)

In partners….

Generate a list of possible effects

from westward expansion

As a class….