Question

4.1.3 Short-Answer Question

Directions: There is not stimulus/passage for this SAQ. In your response, be sure to address all parts of the question. Use complete sentences; an outline or bulleted list alone is not acceptable and make specific identifications and explanations that answer each questions directly. Each answer should be around 3 sentences long.

a) Briefly describe the concept of Manifest Destiny.

b) Briefly explain ONE specific historical reason that the concept of Manifest Destiny emerged in the 1840s.

c) Briefly describe ONE specific historical similarity or difference between the concept of Manifest

Destiny in the 1840s and the ideas that motivated European colonists to migrate to North America inthe 1600s.

Answer 1

Manifest Destiny was the belief that it was the destiny of the United States to expand its territory across North America. One reason for the emergence of Manifest Destiny in the 1840s was the desire for territorial expansion for economic and political gain. The concept of Manifest Destiny in the 1840s differed from the motivations of European colonists in the 1600s, who aimed to establish permanent colonies.

a) Manifest Destiny: Manifest Destiny was the belief held by many Americans in the 19th century that it was their God-given right to expand the territory of the United States from the Atlantic to the Pacific coast. It was a belief in the superiority of American institutions and culture and the destiny of the nation to spread them.

b) Reason for Manifest Destiny: One specific historical reason that the concept of Manifest Destiny emerged in the 1840s was the idea of territorial expansion for economic and political gain. The United States saw an opportunity to acquire new lands and resources, such as California and Oregon, and gain control over trade routes.

c) Similarity/Difference with European Colonists: One specific historical difference between Manifest Destiny in the 1840s and the ideas that motivated European colonists in the 1600s is that the European colonists sought to establish permanent settlements and build colonies, while Manifest Destiny aimed for territorial expansion and the assimilation of existing populations.