In the period of 1800-1835, the United States expanded what was just thirteen colonies into an entire continent through the federal government’s policies being shaped by both the supporters and opponents of territorial expansion through constant debate. Opponents of territorial expansion argued that the eastern states should take priority over expansion, while supporters believed expansion was necessary in validating the United States’ power. Although the opponents’ view on Manifest Destiny was legitimate, the possibility of such widespread gain and control over two major oceans was too much for the United States government to pass up even if it meant participating in conflicts, such as the Mexican American War.
Manifest Destiny being widely accepted by the general public, strong objections remained within the Northerners and Federalists. During the Congressional Debate of October 1803, James Elliot, a Federalist from Vermont, strongly opposed territorial expansion stating that it was unconstitutional. James Elliot’s views represent the small minority of those against the Louisiana Purchase and acted as one of the last defenses against Manifest Destiny. Another opposition to territorial expansion, Samuel Thatcher of Massachusetts, claimed that Spain would pose a threat and that a bigger standing army would need to be formed. Lastly, William Plumer proposed the idea that western expansion would harm already established eastern states. Although the intentions of the opposition were against Manifest Destiny, they only acted as a foreshadowing of what was to come. As the US pursued Manifest Destiny, it grew more apparent that the federal government (despite debatable constitutionality) gained more control over the expansion process, grew a larger standing army to support it -which led to the Mexican War in 1850-, all the while neglecting the already established eastern states.(doc. A) If one were to say that the opposition to Manifest Destiny were merely defeated in the 1803 Congressional Debate, the same could say that by the War of 1812 it was eradicated . With the idea of gaining more land (Canada) in mind, the Southern and Western Democratic-Republicans destroyed the Northern Federalists with a staggering 72 to 42 vote for war against Britain; therefore, confirming the fall of the Federalists as well as opposition to Manifest Destiny once and for all. (doc. B)
Many supporters of Manifest Destiny, mostly found in southern states that favored slavery, saw the expansion westward as an opportunity to extend the United States’ empire from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Jefferson’s purchase of the Louisiana territory was the first “necessary” unconstitutional action taken to legitimize the United States’ power. One setback to westward expansion was the Indian population in places that the United States found profitable. As expansion continued, the removal of Indians from their own territories toward the west became a necessary step to those who moved by means of possible prosperity found in the west.(doc. D) Lewis Cass, among other supporters, saw no advantage to Indian relations, but viewed them rather as a roadblock in fulfilling Manifest Destiny. The interaction with the Indians was never going to lead to benefits because by nature they were seen as uncivilized, so the removal was necessary. (doc. C) In 1833, the United States was in the process of expanding towards the Pacific Ocean, and Joseph Churchman believed it to be beneficial to those uneducated in the recent expansion to be familiarized with the size with the common image of an eagle. However, soon after Churchman created the map it was considered null and void because of the new annexation of Texas, and later that of Mexico and the area around the Rio Grande. The map recognizes the size of the new United States already, but many believed that America had the opportunity, and therefore was obligated, to continue expanding until the Pacific Ocean stopped them. (doc. E)
The Americans’ hopes of Manifest Destiny didn't end with just the Indians, but instead, they continued their expansion westward and focused on Texas. Jackson, a dedicated supporter of Manifest Destiny, saw the annexation of Texas as both a patriotic and religious mission which would increase the wealth and happiness of the county as a whole if this new territory was admitted into the union. (doc. G) This acquisition of Texas came at great costs, and resulted in a war with Mexico which produced the highest death rate of any war in United States history. As Americans delegated the land to themselves, it was evident that those settling believed their rights over the land superimposed that of the Mexicans. The idea of American superiority over other people, specifically the Indians and Mexicans, was common among most people in the west and the south. The annexation of Mexico and the immigration of many “non-white” people was opposed by the idealistic community of political figures, one such being John L. O’Sullivan. O’Sullivan, being an idealist in his views of manifest destiny, did not agree with the complete annexation of Mexico as it went against his principles. Another territory that supporters of Manifest Destiny saw as crucial in continuing the expansion westward was Oregon. Possession of the Oregon territory would open trade between the United States and other countries in Asia which had previously not been attainable given geographical obstacles. This acquisition of territory would aid in their goal of expanding the empire all the way from the Atlantic to the Pacific. (doc. F)
The expansion proposed and finalized by the Americans during the Jefferson to Polk presidencies led to a new age of discovery when exploring. This is parallel to the Age of Discovery is the 15th to 17th centuries, in which Europe explored westward into unincorporated land, which would later serve to be the hub of trade. Many cities on the west coast of the United States are international hubs of trade for the United States, which can be attributed to Manifest Destiny and the tireless efforts of supporters and opposers of this vision.