Manifest Destiny, Explained [APUSH Review]

Unifi: The Road to Civil War

Introduction to Westward Expansion

• The discussion begins with the assertion that America's destiny will not manifest without addressing westward expansion, setting the stage for future conflicts leading to the Civil War.

• The time period of focus is 1844 to 1877, marked by President James K. Polk's election, which emphasized U.S. expansion into the West as a central theme.

Historical Context of Migration

• Westward migration has deep roots in American history, dating back to colonial times when British restrictions sparked grievances leading to the American Revolution.

• The Louisiana Purchase in 1803 doubled U.S. territory and facilitated migration for farmers seeking land, particularly benefiting southern cotton farmers who required new soil due to nutrient depletion.

Ideological Underpinnings of Expansion

• The western frontier was viewed as a mythological space representing opportunity and identity for Americans; it served as a pressure release valve for population tensions.

• Two main categories explain the push for westward migration: ideological reasons (like Manifest Destiny) and practical reasons (economic opportunities).

Manifest Destiny Explained

• Manifest Destiny, popularized by John O'Sullivan, posited that God had ordained America’s mission to expand across North America from coast to coast.

• This ideology justified aggressive territorial acquisition and led to significant conflicts such as the Mexican-American War and violence against Native Americans.

Practical Reasons for Migration

• Four key practical reasons drove westward migration: access to natural resources, economic opportunities in territories like Texas, California, and Oregon.

• Texas became a U.S. state in 1845, triggering conflict with Mexico over territorial claims and furthering the narrative of expansionism during this era.

Westward Expansion: Motivations and Consequences

Desire for New Land and Economic Opportunities

• The vast plains of Texas were attractive to southern planters seeking new soil, but the introduction of slavery created significant issues.

• The Oregon territory was also desirable due to its fertile soil; American migration surged as stories of successful farming spread, leading to "Oregon fever" and 350,000 settlers by 1860.

• James K. Polk's campaign emphasized claiming Oregon with the slogan "54-40 or fight," indicating a willingness to confront Britain over territorial claims.

• California attracted fewer Americans until the discovery of gold in 1848 sparked the California Gold Rush, resulting in a massive influx of settlers into Mexican territory.

Government Policies Encouraging Settlement

• New government policies rooted in Jeffersonian ideals promoted westward expansion; notably, the Preemption Act of 1841 allowed squatters to buy land at low prices before public sale.

• Squatters could purchase up to 160 acres after living on and improving the land for five years, leading to increased migration into territories like Nebraska and Kansas.

• The Homestead Act of 1862 offered free land (160 acres) under similar conditions as the Preemption Act, significantly boosting westward migration during the Civil War era.

Impact on Indigenous Peoples

• Migration led to conflicts with Native American tribes already inhabiting these lands; treaties designating Indian territories were often broken by congressional policies promoting settlement.

• Groups like the Comanches resisted violently against encroachment but were ultimately subdued by expanding U.S. forces.

Religious Refuge and Trade Interests

• Mormons sought religious refuge after persecution; they migrated en masse to Utah in 1847 under Brigham Young’s leadership, settling near Great Salt Lake while it was still Mexican territory.

• Growing interest in trade with Asian countries emerged as U.S. trade with China declined; efforts shifted towards establishing relations with Japan amidst changing global dynamics.

Opening Japan: The Role of Commodore Matthew Perry

Diplomatic Relations with Japan

• For approximately 200 years, Japan had maintained a policy of isolationism, particularly against Western influences and foreigners.

• The United States adopted a cautious and respectful diplomatic approach to persuade Japan to open its ports for trade.

• In 1854, Commodore Matthew Perry arrived at Japanese ports with a fleet of warships, using the threat of military action to compel Japan to engage in trade.

• Ultimately, Japan acquiesced to American demands, resulting in the opening of two ports for limited trade with the United States.