Compare and Contrast the Old and New Manifest Destinies in the context of Westward Expansion and the Spanish American War.
Read lots and lots. Plan well before writing.
https://duckduckgo.com/?q=manifest+destiny+westward+expansion&atb=v135-3__&ia=web
and
https://duckduckgo.com/?q=manifest+destiny+%22spanish+american+war%22&atb=v135-3__&ia=web
https://leo.stcloudstate.edu/acadwrite/comparcontrast.html
To compare and contrast the Old and New Manifest Destinies in the context of Westward Expansion and the Spanish American War, we first need to understand the concept of Manifest Destiny.
Manifest Destiny was a belief held by many Americans in the 19th century that it was their mission and destiny to expand their territory across the entire North American continent. It was a notion deeply rooted in a sense of American exceptionalism, the idea that America was destined to spread its values, civilization, democracy, and Christianity to the West.
1. Old Manifest Destiny:
The Old Manifest Destiny emerged in the early 1800s and was primarily associated with the westward expansion of the United States. It was driven by the idea of territorial growth and the spreading of American influence and institutions. Key factors and events associated with the Old Manifest Destiny include:
- Louisiana Purchase: In 1803, the United States purchased a vast territory from France, doubling its size and setting the stage for the westward expansion.
- Lewis and Clark Expedition: President Thomas Jefferson dispatched Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to explore the newly acquired territory and establish American claims over the land.
- Oregon Trail: The Old Manifest Destiny encouraged pioneers to settle and occupy the Oregon Territory, promoting American expansion into the western frontier.
- Mexican-American War: Fueled by the belief in Manifest Destiny, the United States waged war against Mexico from 1846-1848, resulting in the acquisition of vast territories, including California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and parts of New Mexico, Colorado, and Wyoming.
2. New Manifest Destiny:
The New Manifest Destiny emerged later in the 19th century and was tied to the Spanish American War and the U.S.'s expansion overseas. It focused on extending American influence beyond the North American continent. Key factors and events associated with the New Manifest Destiny include:
- Spanish American War: In 1898, the United States engaged in a war with Spain over its colonies in the Caribbean and the Pacific, including Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. The New Manifest Destiny saw the U.S. as taking on the role of liberating and modernizing these territories, promoting the spread of American ideals and values.
- Annexation of Hawaii: In 1898, the U.S. annexed Hawaii as a stepping stone towards greater involvement in the Pacific. The New Manifest Destiny viewed the Pacific as a sphere where the U.S. should exert its influence and trade interests.
- Open Door Policy: The U.S. implemented the Open Door Policy, which aimed to secure access to markets in China. The New Manifest Destiny emphasized economic expansion and the establishment of American commercial dominance.
In summary, while the Old Manifest Destiny focused on westward expansion within North America, the New Manifest Destiny extended beyond the continent, emphasizing America's role in spreading its ideals and influence overseas, particularly through the Spanish American War and the acquisition of territories and colonies beyond its borders.