Define the concept of Manifest Destiny and assess its impact upon American politics in the 1840s

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The impact of Manifest Destiny concept on the American politics in the 1840s
The term ‘manifest destiny’ has been heard in many classrooms throughout the United States. This idea had a mix of many national ambition and religious commitments. This term “Destiny” was coined in 1845 by John L. O’Sullivan and it suggested that the American people were destined to spread their philosophies (wisdom and ways) all over the North American continent (Berkin et al. 288). It is the view of Berkin that this concept and all ideas associated with it were significant for the Americas. The movement had a lot of political impact in the United States for more than forty years. This is because they, Americans, thought they had a duty to play in spreading democracy, freedom and Christianity as much as they could in the continent. As they moved westwards expanding their territory; they armed themselves with the gospel, ensuring it was effectively done (Berkin et al. 289). This “movement” is the prime reason that led American citizen to almost extinguish the Native American tribes in the western end of North America and the final formulation of the states forming the United States of America. This paper therefore seeks to understand how Manifest Destiny influenced America’s politics in 1840s.
Manifest Destiny concept played a critical role in shaping American presidential elections, territorial acquisitions, and legislative policies in 1840s. The election of 1844 was regarded as the movements’ election. During this election, manifest Expansionist, Democrat, and “dark horse” candidate, James K. Polk, won overwhelmingly against his challenger Whig candidate, Henry Clay (Berkin et al. 395). James K. Polk’s victory seemed to authorization the concept of Manifest Destiny in America. In the following election which occurred in 1848, the movement also influenced its outcome. Zachary Taylor, a “Hero of Buena Vista” and a person who had never held any civil office won exceedingly, proving how the American people had faith in the people who were for the westward expansion (Berkin et al. 399). The Democrats nominee General Lewis Cass, a veteran of the War of 1812 was heavy beaten regardless of his great experience in American political circles.
Secondly, most of the American territories were acquired during this era, Manifest Destiny. To start with, James K. Polk’s administration dealt with two main areas, the Oregon con...