How did Manifest Destiny influence American expansion in the 1840s?

Manifest Destiny influenced American expansion in the 1840s by promoting the belief that the U.S. was destined to expand westward.

In the 1840s, the idea of Manifest Destiny became a powerful force driving American expansion. This belief held that it was the United States' divine mission to spread democracy and civilisation across the North American continent. Many Americans felt it was their duty to expand westward, bringing with them their culture, political systems, and economic practices. This sense of mission was used to justify the annexation of vast territories and the displacement of Native American tribes.

One of the most significant impacts of Manifest Destiny was the annexation of Texas in 1845. Texas had won its independence from Mexico in 1836, but its status remained uncertain. Many Americans supported the idea of Texas joining the Union, seeing it as a natural extension of U.S. territory. The annexation led to the Mexican-American War (1846-1848), which resulted in the U.S. acquiring not only Texas but also California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and parts of Colorado and New Mexico through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.

The Oregon Trail is another example of Manifest Destiny in action. Thousands of settlers travelled westward along this route, seeking new opportunities and land. The U.S. government encouraged this migration by negotiating the Oregon Treaty with Britain in 1846, which established the U.S. boundary at the 49th parallel, securing the Oregon Territory for American settlers.

Manifest Destiny also had darker consequences. The belief in American superiority often led to the marginalisation and displacement of Native American tribes. The Indian Removal Act of 1830, which forced many tribes to relocate west of the Mississippi River, was a precursor to the more extensive displacements that occurred during the 1840s. This period saw the forced removal of many Native Americans from their ancestral lands, leading to significant suffering and loss of life.

In summary, Manifest Destiny was a driving force behind American expansion in the 1840s, leading to territorial acquisitions, increased migration, and significant impacts on Native American populations.