Positive And Negative Impacts Of Manifest Destiny: United States

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Sam Foust

Professor Grisham

HIST 157

1/18/23

Manifest Destiny was a term coined in the mid-19th century to describe the belief that it was the divine right and duty of the United States to expand its territory and spread its principles of freedom, religion, democracy, and opportunity across the entire North American continent. However, manifest destiny had lasting impacts and was not liked by all. This construct that was a huge part of Americas history is a very controversial topic with lasting benefits. There are arguments to be made for both the negative and positive side of Manifest Destiny.

Manifest Destiny benefited the United States through in many ways. One way was improvements technological innovation. Since Manifest Destiny …show more content…

For example, the Americanization of the indigenous inhabitants led to an increase of hostility. Westward expansion in the U.S. was not going to stop for the Native Americans. Americas military scale overpowered the Natives so that they had no choice but to fight a losing fight or assimilate. This turmoil would cause many casualties and lead to a poor relationship between the settlers and natives. Another negative impact was the spread of slavery. Westward expansion was segregated in that only white people benefited from it. The speech by Thomas Benton confirmed this when he said that the command was given to white people only. The land that getting taken over was only for white persons and gave people of color an even bigger disadvantage. Manifest destiny also caused the Mexican American War. This wars fire was stoked by the integration of settlers into Texas due to westward expansion. This integration did not go well as the Americans were not following the rules of the native owners of Texas. This led to relations between the two countries being rocky and eventually led to the war. This war caused America to take over land in Texas and California, while destroying their relationship with Mexico, as Mexicans resented the U.S now. It also came at a cost of many lives for America. Another consequence of the Manifest Destiny movement was the splitting of the country. The south was overly aggressive and

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