How did the concept of Manifest Destiny justify American territorial expansion?

Manifest Destiny justified American territorial expansion by promoting the belief that the United States was destined to expand westward.

The concept of Manifest Destiny emerged in the 19th century and was rooted in the idea that Americans were divinely ordained to spread their civilisation and democratic institutions across the North American continent. This belief was not just about land acquisition but also about spreading what many Americans considered superior cultural, political, and social systems. The term "Manifest Destiny" was first coined by journalist John L. O'Sullivan in 1845, and it quickly became a popular justification for expansionist policies.

Supporters of Manifest Destiny argued that it was the nation's mission to bring progress and enlightenment to the western territories, which were often depicted as empty or underutilised, despite being inhabited by Native American tribes and other groups. This ideology suggested that American settlers had a moral obligation to develop the land and make it productive, which they believed would benefit humanity as a whole.

Moreover, Manifest Destiny was used to rationalise the annexation of vast territories, including Texas, Oregon, and California. It provided a moral and ideological framework that made territorial expansion seem not only inevitable but also righteous. This belief helped to galvanise public support for various expansionist actions, such as the Mexican-American War (1846-1848), which resulted in the United States acquiring a significant portion of Mexico's northern territories.

However, the concept also had darker implications. It often disregarded the rights and cultures of Native American tribes and other non-European inhabitants. The belief in Manifest Destiny contributed to policies that led to the forced removal and suffering of many indigenous peoples, as well as conflicts with other nations.

In summary, Manifest Destiny was a powerful ideology that justified American territorial expansion by framing it as a divine mission to spread democracy and civilisation, often at the expense of existing populations.