How was manifest destiny used to justify expansion west and conquest of its inhabitants?
Which inhabitants were conquered?
Manifest Destiny was a widely held belief during the 19th century in the United States that it was the nation's divine mission to expand westward and bring American ideals and institutions across the continent. The concept of Manifest Destiny was used to justify the expansion and conquest of the western territories and the subjugation or removal of indigenous populations. Here's a breakdown of how it was used to justify these actions:
1. Cultural Superiority: Supporters of Manifest Destiny believed that American civilization, with its democratic values and Protestant work ethic, was superior to the cultures and societies of Native Americans and other inhabitants of the western territories. This belief in American exceptionalism provided a moral justification for the displacement and assimilation of indigenous peoples.
2. God's Will: Many Americans believed that God had destined the nation to expand westward. They saw the acquisition of land and resources as part of a divine plan to spread Christianity, democracy, and progress to the western territories. This religious justification helped to legitimize conquest and colonization in the minds of believers.
3. Economic Opportunities: The belief in Manifest Destiny was also intertwined with economic motives. Expansion into the west offered opportunities for trade, agriculture, and the exploitation of natural resources. Advocates argued that the flourishing of American commerce and industry required the annexation of new territories.
4. Westward Expansion as a Safety Valve: Some proponents of Manifest Destiny also saw the expansion west as a solution to social and economic problems in the eastern states. They believed that by allowing people to migrate and settle in the western territories, it would alleviate overcrowding, unemployment, and social unrest. Thus, westward expansion was seen as a necessity for the well-being of the nation.
It is important to note that Manifest Destiny, while used to justify expansion and conquest, was an ideological construct and not universally accepted. Critics argued against the moral and ethical implications of displacing indigenous populations and questioned the legitimacy of expansionist policies.