Manifest Destiny was an attitude present in the 19th century that depicted the United States as one country that had the capability of expanding from coast to coast. For example, John L. O’ Sullivan wrote, “We are destined to manifest to mankind the excellence of divine principles”. In essence, it means that America was destined by God to govern the continent. For example, “the nation of many nations” shows America as the lead in the world.
Westward expansion was Americans manifest destiny as they tried to experiment on their liberty. For example, O’ Sullivan explores how America was blessed with patriots to defend their freedom, their homes and protect themselves from being led by wicked ambition. Variously, the westwards move was motivated by economic gain; they believed that the west was the only place where t
...hey would move and have an economic makeover. Also, increase in population pressure was another reason for Americans movement to the west. They were looking for a place away from the pressures of the city. That is, a place where there is freedom of trade, business pursuits, and universality of liberty is assured. In essence, westward expansion was the primary determinant of American freedom, economic gain and democracy.
The primary goal of O’ Sullivan was to have America emerge as a super power in the world. For example, he argues that America is destined to be the greatest nation of futurity. This is an indication that his goal was to make America superior in terms of landscape, economic gain and freedom of human life. In so doing, it will be in a position to protect other nations around the globe.
O’ Sullivan argues
that America has a role in establishing a moral dignity and salvation of mankind to the beneficence and truth of God. They are tasked with a mission to maintain peace and goodwill among other countries on the globe. That is, America is destined to the great and the future of the world.
Work Cited
- O'Sullivan, John L. "Excerpts from John L. Sullivan’s Writings on Manifest Destiny, 1839. Resources. Primary Sources | Web. 10 Mar. 2016.
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