The Evolution of Manifest Destiny

During the nineteenth century, manifest destiny became a particularly common concept. This idea stated that Americans were destined to expand across the western frontier and the world because the “superior” Anglo-Saxon race had received God’s divine blessing to do so. The idea first came about during the American Revolution in the 1700s and continued through such events as the Civil War and other nineteenth century conflicts. Americans became involved with Cuba, the Philippines and their turmoil with Spanish rule. They turned a “rescue mission” for the Cubans and Filipinos into an overtaking. Power-hungry Americans sought to take over the world, particularly in markets like China, regardless of the conflicts and battles that would ensue as a result.
Beliefs that Americans were superior became prevalent and contributed to bad race relations during this time period, particularly with Native and African Americans. The Native American population saw its land increasingly being overtaken by people looking to expand westward, and African Americans became enslaved and unfairly treated, which eventually led to the Civil War. Americans believed that it was their job to “fix” and “educate” everyone who was different from them, which unsurprisingly was met with anger. This time period and the problems in it led some to wonder whether America wanted to conquer or redeem.
Later, the U.S. ship attacks that occurred in during World War I- “the war to end all wars,” left President Wilson with no other choice but join the war. On April 2, 1917, it happened. Wilson spoke of a new kind of Manifest Destiny for the United States. They would fight not just for the country’s own sake, but for the ultimate peace of the world: democracy.
Wilson flew to ...

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...m went unsolved. The additional battle against Hussein to protect oil interests showed how aggressive Bush’s policy regarding foreign affairs was and is considered the largest expression of political and military Manifest Destiny in U.S. history.
Under the current administration, foreign policy dictates that while some situations abroad necessitate military intervention, the U.S. shouldn't seek out proverbial monsters. President Barack Obama has made multilateralism a central element of U.S. foreign policy. While American policies and mindsets have evolved considerably over the years, one thing remains the same: the United States continues to experience controversy and turmoil in its foreign affairs. Through time, endeavors that begin as well-intentioned help always seem to turn into destructive wars. Regardless, manifest destiny has greatly shaped American history.