Haley Hour 6

The phrase “manifest destiny” breaks down into an obvious, or evident, destiny, applied to the United States.

The Americans in the 1800’s thought that it was their god-given right to extend their boundaries and occupy all of the North American continent.

US had eyes on Mexico, due to the recent annexation of Texas. America now had eyes on California.

This and the new Americans settling in Oregan created tensions between Britain, who had stakes claimed in the Pacific Northwest, and Mexico, who still regarded Texas as Mexican providence.

The phrase “manifest destiny” was first used by John O’Sullivan in 1845.

O’Sullivan was a writer for a New York newspaper, and used this term when writing about the Texas annexation.

“Our manifest destiny is to overspread the continent allotted by Providence for the free development of our yearly multiplying millions.”

Manifest destiny was not a government policy, but did help influence many decisions in the government in the 19th century.

The 1844 election was largely influenced by manifest destiny.

The democrats specifically were drawn towards it, and saw James K. Polk as their democrat who could help the Americans spread out.

Clay, the opposing Whig candidate, was defeated, 170 to 105 in the Electoral College, and only slightly in the popular vote.

One of Polk's goals was the acquisition of California and settling the Oregon dispute between Britain, the Democrats witnessed him as their “Mandate for Manifest Destiny”.

Polk compromised with Britain, and was able to acquire some of Oregon. This upset many northern democrats, who were in the favor the most of expansion.

The northern democrats wanted all of Oregon, not just a part.

It was overlooked that Polk was able to compromise and obtain part of Oregon, without any violence occurring.

Seen as the gateway to the Pacific Ocean for America.

An area of much anxiety for Polk. He had a very strong desire to purchase California from Mexico, but with poor relations at the moment due to Texas, the proposal of 25 million wasn’t even listened to.

The victory against Mexico, and the discovery of gold in California helped reawaken the manifest destiny mindset.

A gold rush and British clash resulted. Next the desire for Cuba sprang up,

resulting in a clash with Spain. Polk even suggested offering 100 million for Cuba, but was not agreed upon.

The realization for a transcontinental railroad was now clear.

Needed a way to reach the Pacific Coast in their California territory.

Many other issues appeared due to manifest destiny creating a desire for land, but it would go into others topics in too much depth.