Impacts of Manifest Destiny on the United States
Manifest Destiny greatly impacted the country, it was the push behind America’s expeditious expansion into the West. Some examples of it’s impact on the country are that it helped fuel western settlement, and pushed many Native American out of America. Manifest Destiny lead to the annexation of Texas, this happened in 1845 when James K. Polk, the U.S. President, favored the idea of annexation, and made it happen by negotiating with Texas, making this the first big expansion for America. Later, in 1846, was when the Northwest set boundaries at the 49th parallel This came about when Britain and the U.S. Agreed to extend the boundary, which also established the current boundary between the United States and Canada. Next was the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which was between the U.S and Mexico after America won the war in 1846, in this treaty Mexico agreed to the Rio Grande as the border between Texas and Mexico, giving the New Mexico and California territories to the United States, which the U.S. Agreed to pay $15 million for. This newly possessed land included what is now California, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, most of Arizona, and parts of Colorado and Wyoming. Next, in 1853, was the Gadsden Purchase, which was 5 years later, in 1853, this was when James Gadsden paid Mexico $10 million for the territory south of the Gila River, making this the final expansion establishing the current borders of the United States. Clearly Manifest Destiny had a big impact on the united states, fueling its expansion all the way to the Pacific, making America what it is today.
Manifest Destiny also had a substantial impact on the people of the United states, it is what made the people themselves decide to “Go West!” Manifest Destiny inspired people to explore and settle in the west. The abundance of land in the west, along with new markets, and personal economic problems of people in the east were reasons that people liked this idea, it was an answer to their problems. People were convinced that they would be better off attempting a fresh start in the West. After the last expansion, gold was discovered at Sutter's’ Mill, bringing many more Americans from the East, and benefitting them greatly, even bringing in people from outside America. This revolutionized America’s economy. Manifest Destiny brought money, land, resources, and a strengthened economy to the Americans.
There were also negative effects of Manifest Destiny. This idea that it was their destiny to expand caused Americans to disregard the territorial rights of Native Americans, wiping out many tribes and causing a cultural divide, tension and wars. The negative effect that this had on Native Americans were lasting effects. Manifest Destiny also caused war and tension with Mexico for the same reasons. Manifest Destiny caused americans to feel entitled, greedy, power hungry, they wanted to be the best, which are poor qualities to have. Another negative effect was the affect this had on slavery. With the expansion came more farms, which in turn meant a greater need for slave workers, although Manifest Destiny later brought on debates about slaves, helping to end slavery.
Manifest Destiny also had a substantial impact on the people of the United states, it is what made the people themselves decide to “Go West!” Manifest Destiny inspired people to explore and settle in the west. The abundance of land in the west, along with new markets, and personal economic problems of people in the east were reasons that people liked this idea, it was an answer to their problems. People were convinced that they would be better off attempting a fresh start in the West. After the last expansion, gold was discovered at Sutter's’ Mill, bringing many more Americans from the East, and benefitting them greatly, even bringing in people from outside America. This revolutionized America’s economy. Manifest Destiny brought money, land, resources, and a strengthened economy to the Americans.
There were also negative effects of Manifest Destiny. This idea that it was their destiny to expand caused Americans to disregard the territorial rights of Native Americans, wiping out many tribes and causing a cultural divide, tension and wars. The negative effect that this had on Native Americans were lasting effects. Manifest Destiny also caused war and tension with Mexico for the same reasons. Manifest Destiny caused americans to feel entitled, greedy, power hungry, they wanted to be the best, which are poor qualities to have. Another negative effect was the affect this had on slavery. With the expansion came more farms, which in turn meant a greater need for slave workers, although Manifest Destiny later brought on debates about slaves, helping to end slavery.
By River Murphy Julian Charter School 1/10/14