Essay On Manifest Destiny

The period of 1855-1890 was one of rapid western American settlement into traditionally American Indian territory. This swift movement brought the two groups into conflict that typically ended up in the mistreatment and oppression of American Indians from the US government, citizens, and businesses. This mistreatment caused the decline of the American Indian population and culture in American society while the United States’ power and economy boomed.

One of the driving forces for western settlement by the United States was the introduction and popularization of Manifest Destiny. Manifest Destiny was an idea that emerged in American culture during the early 19th century but was taken to a whole another level during the second half of the century. It explained how US domination of the continent was not only justified, but inevitable. This provided a justification for Americans to displace and oppress entire American Indian communities which would lead to severe and frequent conflict between the two groups. This idea of Manifest Destiny gave the American people a reason to support westward expansion despite the clear and known mistreatment of the American Indian people.

Another cause of these conflicts between American Indians and the US would be due to high economic promise of western
The effects of these conflicts would be the growing oppression, displacement, and slaughter of American Indians worldwide by US citizens and government during this period. Another effect would be the increased wealth and land gained by the US as they imperialized lands occupied by American Indians. This growth in wealth and access to natural resources would aid urbanization and industrialization during the period of 1855-1890. Furthermore, it would aid the construction of a massive railroad network that would allow the US economy to expand and thrive across the