What Is Manifest Destiny An Example Of Aggressive Imperialism

Words: 461
Pages: 2

Janeice Lopez 1/16/17
APUSH Manifest Destiny

Under the doctrine of Manifest Destiny, Americans felt it was their given right to expand across North America. The actions taken place in the 1840’s under the Manifest Destiny movement only served to benefit America at the expense of others. Manifest Destiny indeed was an example of aggressive imperialism. The Mexican-American War was a result of America’s ideology of expanding throughout North America. The Annexation of Texas in 1845 allowed for Texas to be admitted into the Union as a state. This caused major tension in the relationship between America and Mexico. President James K. Polk wanted to purchase California from Mexico, so in 1845 he sent John Slidell to Mexico City to off $25 million for California. Mexico rejected the offer. President Polk sent
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The Oregon Territory stretched from the Pacific Coast to the Rocky Mountains. The lands stretched into territory that was controlled by the British, which many Americans believed they had the right to these lands under Manifest Destiny. By 1843, there was increase in American immigration on the Oregon Trail which worsened the border issues within Congress. “54’ 40’ or fight” became the slogan of the propaganda for war against England. The Oregon Treaty of 1846 set the boundary of the United States and Canada at the 49th parallel. This event proves that Americans were quick to take what they wanted without thinking of the effect it would have on others. They were willing to declare war on England over something that was solved through a treaty. Moreover, Americans use the Manifest Destiny movement to aggressively conquer North America without the thinking of the effects it had on others. The Mexican-American War and the Oregon Territory were two examples during the 1840’s of America’s aggressive