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Dbq Essay On Manifest Destiny

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Manifest Destiny is a term used for the attitude that was prevalent during the 19th century. It was the idea that Americans were destined by God to govern the American continent. There were many country-splitting issues caused by Manifest Destiny. One of the major consequences of Manifest Destiny was the removal of Native Americans. This meant that Native American land would be expanded on, the government officials of the United States then also had tensions between all of their bordering states and countries, such as Mexico. Another effect of Manifest Destiny includes the expansion of land. Not only that but scholars also argue that Manifest Destiny ultimately resulted in the civil war.

The burst in enthusiasm for Indian removal under …show more content…

This tragic loss of Native American culture is heartbreaking even in today's society. As was ruefully stated by Native American chief Santana, "These soldiers cut down our timber, they kill my buffalo; and when I see that, my heart feels like bursting; I feel sorry." (Document G) Since its inception in 1776, the United States was known as one of the most prominent advocates for freedom and liberty. Its emphasis on liberty and equality results from this nation’s dedication to and founding upon the Christian proposition that all men are created equal by God. Yet if this was truly taken to heart, then why were they so hedonistic against the Native Americans? Tensions between the tribes and the citizens of America drastically increased over the years of Manifest Destiny. Expanding the boundaries of the United States was in many ways a cultural war. While the US fought with the natives, the real power struggle occurred within. "Controversy grew over Texas, its annexation, and its boundaries. Not all Congressmen wanted to add Texas to the US as fear of a potentially large slave territory threatened the balance of Congress" (Background Essay Adapted) The desire of southerners to find more lands suitable for cotton …show more content…

Despite the push to move westward, it was not till the end the of the War of 1812 that the westward movement became a significant outpour of people across the continent. For the grand spirit Manifest Destiny created, it also created a darker side of American History. While the positive side of Manifest Destiny was a growth of enthusiasm and energy for pushing West to extend the land, the negative side was the belief that the white man had the right to destroy anything and anyone. "God has not been preparing the English-speaking and Tectonic peoples for a thousand years for nothing but vain and idle self-admiration" (Ryser) Tracing the path of Manifest Destiny across the west would highlight mass destruction of tribal organizations, confinement of Indians to reservations, and full blown genocide. The dark side of Manifest Destiny revealed the white man's belief that the settlement of land and civilization from its native peoples was predetermined by

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