Manifest Destiny                                                   

The Roots of Manifest Destiny In the mid-1800’s, many Americans felt it was the fate of our country to spread “from sea to shining sea”. The term Manifest Destiny was first used by newspaper editor John O’Sullivan.

The roots of manifest destiny lay in America’s economic, poltical, and social experiences. Motives for moving west ranged from the belief that the continent needed to become an area of freedom and democracy (social and political). Others looked at the lands in the west as areas ready to be deveoped for agriculture and trade (economic). Some went to spread their religious beliefs (social).

Mountain Men Mountain men were daring fur trappers and traders who opened up the West by discovering the best trails through the Rockies. Mountain men survived by being tough and resourceful. Their explorations provided Americans with some of the earliest first hand knowledge of the Far West. This knowledge of the trails made it possible for people to move west. 8.6 C The student will analyze the relationship between the concept of Manifest Destiny and the westward growth of the nation  

The Lure of the West The west, with its vast stretches of land, offered a golden opportunity to make money. Land speculators bought huge chunks of land. They hoped the price of the land would go up, and then they could sell it off in sections. They sold sections to settlers who dreamed of owning their own farms. 8.6 C The student will analyze the relationship between the concept of Manifest Destiny and the westward growth of the nation  

Others who moved west were hoping to find jobs and escape debts. Manufacturers and merchants soon followed settlers west. They hoped to earn money by making and selling items that farmers needed. Others who moved west were hoping to find jobs and escape debts. 8.6 C The student will analyze the relationship between the concept of Manifest Destiny and the westward growth of the nation  

Hundreds of settlers began migrating west on the Oregon Trail. Oregon Fever Hundreds of settlers began migrating west on the Oregon Trail. This trail ran from Independence, Missouri to Oregon Territory. Some of the first to cross on this trail were missionaries, such as Marcus and Narcissa Whitman. 8.6 C The student will analyze the relationship between the concept of Manifest Destiny and the westward growth of the nation  

Their description of Oregon brought many settlers there. Oregon Fever The Whitmans hoped to convert indians to Christianity, but had little success. Their description of Oregon brought many settlers there. The Oregon Trail was dangerous, so pioneers joined wagon trains. 8.6 C The student will analyze the relationship between the concept of Manifest Destiny and the westward growth of the nation  

One story of tragedy was that of the Donner Party. They knew their survival would depend on cooperation. Before setting out, the wagon train members would vote on rules and leaders. One story of tragedy was that of the Donner Party. They decided to take a “short-cut” and were struck by a snowstorm in the Sierra Nevadas. To survive they were forced to eat the dead. 8.6 C The student will analyze the relationship between the concept of Manifest Destiny and the westward growth of the nation  

THE MORMON TRAIL Another group who went west for religious reasons was the Mormons. Joseph Smith had founded this church in New York in 1830. The Mormons lived in close communities, worked hard, shared their goods, and prospered. Some people did not approve of the Mormons, and persecuted them because of their beliefs. 8.6 B The student will explain the political, economic, and social roots of Manifest Destiny;

Brigham Young An anti-Mormon mob killed Smith in 1844. Brigham Young, the next Mormon leader, moved his people out of the U.S. to Utah (part of Mexico). The Mormons built their community on the Great Salt Lake, and through team work, they were successful. 8.6 B The student will explain the political, economic, and social roots of Manifest Destiny;