Manifest Destiny Dbq Analysis

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Recommended: Political implication of manifest destiny

With every American war, there is always controversy. In 1846, the United States went to war with Mexico, a war known as the Mexican War. This seemingly insignificant war resulted in thousands of lives lost, both Mexican and American, and new lands for the United States. After Texas separated from Mexico, President James K. Polk—also known as Mr. Manifest Destiny— was quick to annex Texas and, soon, California. War erupted between Mexico and the United States after a battle on disputed territory in southern Texas. Between the idea of manifest destiny and the moral dilemma that the United States faced, controversy emerged and America was, once again, divided. However, despite the controversy, the United States was not justified in going Manifest destiny is a concept to conceal the atrocity known as racism. John O’Sullivan uses the idea of manifest destiny in an attempt to explain the reason behind overtaking Mexico: “Imbecile and distracted, Mexico never can exert any real government authority over such a country” (Doc A). Racism is a prominent factor as to why we wanted to expand our borders. Many of the American settlers who moved into Texas were Protestants who favored slavery which contrasted the beliefs of the Catholic Mexicans who opposed it. O’Sullivan continues to claim that the “Anglo-Saxon foot is already on [California’s] borders” (Doc A) which shows how there is a stigma that white people are superior. The intent behind manifest destiny is fueled by racism. The reasons for entering the Mexican War are not justifications; they are excuses. It is an excuse to use racism and white superiority in order to steal land from ‘weaker’ nations. Americans hid behind God so they can justify slavery and white-washing various cultures. The United States expands its borders to spread our views on freedom and democracy. America is the land of the free. What is the cost of American freedom? The Mexicans have paid for

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