1. “The Oregon Trail”
by Albert Bierstadt, 1867

2. “Westward the Course of Empire Takes its Way,” Emmanuel Leutze 1861

3. “American Progress” by John Gast, 1872

4. The Progress of America; 1875 Oil on canvas, Kahn Collection

5. “The Promised Land—The Grayson Family” by William S. Jewett, 1850

6. Across the Continent: “Westward the Course of Empire Takes its Way” Fanny Palmer, 1867

7. Manifest Destiny Popular American belief first used in 1840s.
U.S. had divine right and responsibility to expand west, claim land
Used to justify the acquisition of Oregon, war with Mexico and large parts of Southwest, including California.