Manifest Destiny

Prior to the Revolution, Americans had already begun  to move West.  In 1775, the west meant moving to parts of North Carolina, Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee.  The British government tried to halt these advancements, fearing that Native American tribes would become hostile towards the settlers.  

   Expansion West continued during the Presidencies of Washington, Adams, and Jefferson.  During their terms, farmers began to move into Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio.  The Federal government established guidelines to govern the territories and encouraged citizens to move into these areas.  As the populations of territories grew they would become eligible for statehood.  

  Thomas Jefferson did more to encourage westward expansion than most other presidents.  The Louisiana Purchase doubled the size of the nation.  Jefferson hoped to provide the country with a Pacific shoreline.  He felt that it would take 1,000 years for the U.S. to fully populate the territory.  He was off by 900 years.

Historians call the decades following the War of 1812, "The Era of Good Feelings".  There was widespread nationalism and patriotic pride across the country.  For the second time in the young country's short history, they were able to defeat Great Britain.  For many, this was a sign that God had blessed the country, and the U.S. was destined for greatness.  The Founding Fathers achieved almost God-like statuses.  Washington's birthday was celebrated as a holiday.  The Constitution and the Declaration of Independence were revered.  

  People will often credit destiny when something good or wonderful takes place.  Couples might credit destiny for bringing them together.  If your parents met in college, you would not be here right now if your mom decided to attend a different school.  Scientifically speaking you are unique, one of a kind.  There will be nobody else like you ever again, and there was nobody else like you before.  You are a one time deal.  The fact that you are here is pretty amazing.  Think about it, it means that for the past 3.8 billion years all of your direct ancestors were not eaten, drowned, squished, squashed, killed, stabbed, or eaten by a shark before they were able to pass along their DNA.  

However, when things go bad or tragic, destiny does not get the credit.  When a car accident occurs, the doctors do not tell the victims family that it was their destiny to die that day.  Destiny will get credit for giving a person their dream job but not giving them a pink slip.

Our American Destiny is a high point in American History, but it is a dark period in Mexican history.  Mexico once controlled Texas and California, two states that are blessed with a variety of natural resources.  Imagine how much different American history would be if we did not have access to the gold and oil found in California.  How much richer would Mexico be if it had retained control of the American Southwest?  (Where would Brangelina live?)

Quiz tomorrow on the Indian Removal Act.

Homeroom you get PB and Js.