 Territorial expansion may lead to conflict due to differences in political, social, and economic perspectives.  Where did the idea of Manifest Destiny originate?  How did America’s beliefs in territorial expansion impact people in America?  How did America’s views of territorial expansion affect other countries?  Why did people want to move west?  What obstacles did pioneers traveling west face?  How will the movement of people and ideas affect the diverse groups of people in the West?

After the purchase of the Louisiana Territory and the commissioning of the Corps of Discovery, Americans set their eyes on the West. As industrialized America continued to grow, many looked to the West for inspiration and a new lease on life. In addition, the idea that Americans were “destined” to be owners of the land between the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean motivated many to take the westward plunge.

Where did the idea of Manifest Destiny originate? In 1845 John O’Sullivan coined the phrase “manifest destiny,” which captures the belief of the U.S. government and its citizens that it was the nation’s destiny, or fate, to expand westward from sea to sea. How did America’s belief in territorial expansion impact people in America? It was seen as part of nationalism. The lure of owning land could also be seen as an economic opportunity for the masses that had outgrown the eastern seaboard. How did America’s views of territorial expansion affect other countries? America viewed territorial expansion as a necessity for the nation’s survival. In order to avoid future wars with Britain, it was seen as a necessity to obtain the Oregon Territories; to expand southward and westward; to stabilize Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California from Mexico. U.S. would acquire territory in the West through treaty, purchase, cession, or war.

Possible pioneer groups and websites: Californios ( Mountain Men ( Missionaries ( Mormons (PBS or Library of Congress) Pioneer Women (PBS or Library of Congress)