M6D2: "Our manifest destiny": Westward migration and the Mexican-American War

This discussion addresses the following outcomes:

• Define the concept of “Manifest Destiny” and examine its role in  American expansionism into Texas and other Mexican territories. (CO#1, #3)

Expansion is a major theme of the United States’ history. As a young,  energetic country, the United States also saw itself as gifted by  Providence to spread out into neighboring lands. The migration of  Americans into Mexican territory opened a new chapter in that story.  Texan independence from Mexico seemed to fulfill the promise of Manifest  Destiny, not just in terms of land but in the spread of American  ideals. However, the Mexican-American War and westward migration did not  benefit all.

In preparation for our discussion be sure to read the Module Notes, Chapter 12: “Manifest Destiny (Links to an external site.)” and the following primary sources: John O’Sullivan Declares America’s Manifest Destiny, 1845,  (Links to an external site.)Cherokee Petition Protesting Removal, 1836, (Links to an external site.) and Chinese Merchant Complains of Racist Abuse, 1860. (Links to an external site.)

 (Links to an external site.)Using the primary and secondary source materials above as evidence, consider the following in a post of at least 250 words: (Links to an external site.)

• What was the concept of Manifest Destiny? How did it rationalize  westward migration, US expansion into Mexican territories, the  Mexican-American War, and the Monroe Doctrine? 
• Choose one of the following groups and consider how the changes to  the west in this era affected their circumstances: American migrants,  displaced Native Americans, Chinese immigrants, Mexicans in the acquired  territories, or slaves