Transcription
Manifest Destiny"(It is) .our manifest destiny to over spread and to possessthe whole of the continent which Providence has given usfor the development of the great experiment of liberty"
Manifest Destiny In 1845. these words were written by JohnO'Sullivan, a democrat leader and editor of the NewYork newspaper The Morning Post.“ (It is) .our manifest destiny to over spread and to possessthe whole of the continent which Providence has given usfor the development of the great experiment of liberty"
What is Manifest Destiny? O'Sullivan was expressing the long held beliefthat white Americans had a God-given right tooccupy the entire North American continent. It was not a new idea, nor was it historicallyconfined to America. Manifest Destiny as aconcept was exercised in 1492 by ChristopherColumbus and the Spanish monarchs who initiallysanctioned the colonisation of South America. It was also exercised by the Pilgrim Fathers whenthey landed at Plymouth Rock in 1620, by theBritish when they colonised Australia and India. Indeed, any act of colonisation and settlementat the expense of another race can be said to bean expression of Manifest Destiny.
Manifest Destiny in 1840s America Once the concept had been given the name'Manifest Destiny' it became widely used,appearing in newspapers, debates, paintingsand advertisements. It became the leadinglight for westward expansion.
Throughout the 1840s westward expansion gainedpace. People living in the crowded east were luredwest with promises of inexpensive land and openspaces.The discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill in 1848prompted thousands to leave their homes in theeast and make the journey west to California.
The Homestead Act In 1841 the government of America passed an actthat allowed people to purchase 160 acres ofPlains land for a very small price. A further act passed in 1862 divided 2.5 millionacres of Plains land into sections or homesteadsof 160 acres. People could now claim 160 acres ofland. The only requirement on their part was that theypaid a small administration charge and built ahouse and lived on the land for at least 5 years.
Advertising and PaintingsIn a bid to encourage peopleonto the Plains, advertisementstold success stories of thosewho had claimed land under theterms of the Homestead Act andhad become successful. Artistspainted pictures to encouragepeople to fulfil ManifestDestiny.
Manifest DestinyA painting by John Gast 1872This picture is entitled ‘Manifest Destiny’. Explain how the artist uses the objectsand people in the picture to encourage people to fulfil their Manifest Destiny
Manifest Destiny Poster ProjectYour poster will represent Manifest Destiny.Include the following:A. Pictures of people (minimum of 2) Can be Native AmericansSettlersPresidents (Mexican and American)Famous mountain menMen who came up with the idea of ManifestDestiny.
B. Artwork Copies of posters/advertisementsCopies of paintingsYour own drawings or illustrationsPictures from internet Minimum of 3 pictures
C. Annotated Illustrations Describe what is in your pictures Use captions, headings or other creative waysto get your reader’s attention Use bullets, stars or arrows to make your textmore readable. Use different colors to add interest. Outline your text in creative ways. MAKE ALL WRITING READABLE!!!!!!!
Manifest Destiny Advertisements
Sources cited www.historyonthenet.com
Manifest Destiny In 1845. these words were written by John O'Sullivan, a democrat leader and editor of the New York newspaper The Morning Post. " (It is) .our manifest destiny to over spread and to possess the whole of the continent which Providence has given us for the development of the great experiment of liberty"
