Manifest Destiny Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Manifest Destiny - Essay Example The increase in population of the initial 13 Colonies and the growth of the United States economy increased the desire to grow into additional land. The Manifest Destiny concept tremendously influenced the United States policy. This enhanced the American expansion to the West. The idea was largely put forward by posters, newspapers and other avenues. Despite the fact that it was not a formal policy of the government, it facilitated the passing of legislations like the Homestead Act, which promoted colonization and acquisition of areas in the West (Robinson 2010, 21). Additionally, the idea was a factor in the thought of America. Movement into the West regions provided a prospect for self development. To be familiar with the concept of Manifest Destiny, it is essential to comprehend the desire and need of the United States to expand. This paper will look at how issues around it affected the U.S, how the views of Americans on the issue changed over the period, and will also mention some events as examples. John OSullivan, a U.S newspaper editor writing on the planned occupation of Texas, was the first to use the term in 1845. He asserted that it was America’s â€Å"manifest destiny to spread to the whole continent.† The newspaper issue recommended that through expanding, America could turn out to be a renowned superpower. According to OSullivan, United States had been exclusively selected for the mission of Westward expansion. This would push out the wilderness and bring civilization. Between independence and 1920, the government passed land laws that were favorable for people to migrate. The federal government also persuaded people from Europe to come and inhabit. It used the military to protect the settlers from natives. It further put money into explorations, such as that of Clark and Lewis. Wherever there was sufficient water, homesteading was practiced by people from the Midwest to the Pacific regions. Cheap and available land,