Contextualization

Manifest Destiny, a phrase coined by journalist John L. O'Sullivan in 1845, was a widely-held belief in the 19th-century United States that the country was destined to expand its territory across the entire North American continent, from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. This notion, fuelled by a mix of religious, economic and political factors, served as a guiding principle for American expansionism during this era.

The United States in the early 19th century was a rapidly growing nation, fueled by the Industrial Revolution and a wave of European immigration. As the population surged, many Americans began to see their country's expansion as inevitable and justified. This perspective was further bolstered by a sense of cultural and racial superiority, with many believing that the United States had a duty to spread its institutions and values to less "enlightened" peoples.

This concept of Manifest Destiny had profound implications for both indigenous peoples and for the countries and peoples who already inhabited the lands that the United States sought to acquire. It was used to justify the displacement and mistreatment of Native Americans, as well as the annexation of territory from Mexico.

Importance

The era of Manifest Destiny was a pivotal period in American history, shaping the country's geography, its national identity, and its relationship with the rest of the world. The acquisition of vast territories, including the Louisiana Purchase, Florida, Oregon, and the Mexican Cession, laid the groundwork for the emergence of the United States as a global power in the 20th century.

The legacy of Manifest Destiny continues to influence American society today. It informs debates over issues such as immigration, national identity, and the role of the United States in world affairs. Understanding the origins and consequences of Manifest Destiny is therefore crucial for understanding contemporary America.

Resources

To delve deeper into the topic, you can rely on these resources:

1. PBS: The West - Manifest Destiny - This resource provides an excellent overview of the concept of Manifest Destiny and its impact on the Westward Expansion.

2. Library of Congress: Manifest Destiny and the U.S.-Mexican War - This resource explores the relationship between Manifest Destiny and the U.S.-Mexican War, a key event in the expansion of the United States.

3. National Geographic: Manifest Destiny - This interactive map allows you to explore the major land acquisitions of the United States and understand their role in the concept of Manifest Destiny.

4. Book: "The Republic for Which It Stands: The United States during Reconstruction and the Gilded Age, 1865-1896" by Richard White. - This book provides a comprehensive account of the era of Manifest Destiny and its aftermath, placing it within the broader context of American history.

These resources will provide you with a solid foundation for understanding the concept of Manifest Destiny and its significance in American history.

Practical Activity

Activity Title: "Manifest Destiny: A Role-Play Exploration"

Objective of the Project:

The main goal of this project is to deepen understanding of the concept of Manifest Destiny and its implications by engaging in a role-play activity. By doing so, students will also develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.

Detailed Description of the Project:

Students will be divided into groups of 3 to 5. Each group will be assigned a specific scenario during the era of Manifest Destiny, such as the Lewis and Clark Expedition, the Trail of Tears, or the California Gold Rush. The task is to create a role-play scenario that illustrates the key events and issues of their assigned situation.

The role-play should involve all members of the group and should incorporate historical facts. The students will need to research their topic extensively to ensure accuracy. The role-play should also include a reflection on the larger themes and impacts of Manifest Destiny.

Necessary Materials:

• Access to library resources, internet research, and academic databases
• Art supplies for costume and prop creation
• A presentation space for the role-play

Detailed Step-by-Step for Carrying out the Activity:

Step 1: Divide students into groups of 3 to 5. Assign each group a specific scenario from the era of Manifest Destiny.

Step 2: The group will begin their research, collecting information about their assigned scenario, the historical events, and the people involved. They should also start brainstorming ideas for their role-play and begin to develop a script.

Step 3: After the research phase, the group will start preparing the role-play. This includes creating costumes, props, and any necessary visuals.

Step 4: Practice the role-play. This includes developing clear characters, dialogue, and actions.

Step 5: Presentations. Each group should present their role-play to the rest of the class. After each presentation, there should be a brief Q&A session.

Project Deliverables and Report Writing:

The project deliverable will be the role-play performance. Additionally, each group must submit a written report following the structure below:

1. Introduction: Provide a brief overview of Manifest Destiny and its historical context. State the objective of the role-play and the relevance of the chosen scenario.

2. Development: Detail the theoretical concepts behind the chosen scenario. Explain the role-play in detail, including the historical events it depicted, the characters, and the central conflicts. Discuss the process of creating the role-play, including the research and creative decisions made. Reflect on how the role-play helped deepen understanding of Manifest Destiny.

3. Conclusions: Revisit the main points of the role-play and its relevance to the concept of Manifest Destiny. Discuss the learnings obtained from the project and draw conclusions about the role-play's implications for the understanding of history.

4. Bibliography: List all resources used for research and preparation of the role-play. Ensure the correct citation format is used.

The report should be between 2000 and 3000 words long and must be submitted within one week after the role-play presentation. The report should complement the role-play by providing an in-depth analysis of the chosen scenario and its connection to the larger concept of Manifest Destiny.