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Manifest Destiny Dbq

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Manifest destiny and territorial expansion greatly united the United States from 1830 to 1860. During this time period, America was still developing and growing in many ways. America’s geographical growth, formerly known as Manifest Destiny, or westward expansion, was the beginning of many changes for the nation. Manifest destiny and territorial expansion united the United States socially, politically, and economically. Firstly, Manifest Destiny greatly socially united the Nation. Manifest Destiny ignited a widespread passion in its people. Manifest destiny was an idea that “it was America’s God given right and destiny to expand westward.” Westward expansion was driven by a social belief. This belief united the nation socially, for most of …show more content…

In a letter that he wrote to Henry Clay in 1837, he stated “[b]y annexing Texas, we shall not only create [slavery] where it does not exist, but breathe new life into it, where its end seemed to be near” (Document B). William Ellery Channing feared that the annexation of Texas would lead to an unnecessary increase in slavery. This controversy revolved around the imbalance of slave states to free states in America if Texas was annexed. An imbalance in the Nation was not preferable for America. However, a solution was found. As more states were conquered by the Americans, the ratio of slave states to free states would return to a balance. By doing so, America showed that it could politically assess the situation and come to a reasonable solution. This made the political aspect of America stronger, and showed what it is truly capable …show more content…

As mentioned before, the Market Revolution was taking place. The South was not growing at the same pace that the North had been growing. Due to this, some argue that there was a figurative barrier between the South and the rest of the country. Although the South greatly differed from the North, the two regions were not greatly divided. In fact, these two regions harmoniously worked together. The North relied on the South for agricultural purposes, and the South relied on the North for industrial purposes. Without both regions, the economy of America would have diminished. An editor referred to America as “a truly republican and self-governing people [of greatness and dignity” (Document H). The strength and capability of America was undoubtedly due to its unity. In all truth, a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. America would not have been able to function if it were

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