Question

Create two slogans relating to manifest destiny. One slogan should present a favorable viewpoint of the policy of manifest destiny; the other should present an unfavorable viewpoint. Briefly describe the viewpoint held by each slogan: • Under the favorable slogan, describe why the United States was justified in the expansion of the 1800s. • Under the unfavorable slogan, describe who or what was negatively affected by the policy of manifest destiny and how they were negatively affected. Make sure to convey your ideas clearly, using standard English.

Answer 1

(Favorable slogan) Virtue, mission, and destiny under God.

This slogan summarizes the three main points used by the advocates of the “Manifest Destiny” doctrine (virtue of the American people, a mission to change the “Old World” and the manifest destiny under God’s guidance). Considering the thesis of the “American exceptionality”, the country had the legitimacy to expand itself while spreading the values of freedom and democracy.  

(Unfavorable slogan) Don’t plant in America’s soil the seed of imperialism! Say no to the right of conquest!

Many were critic with the “Manifest Destiny” doctrine and considered it to be belligerent and contrary to the Republican values. It constituted a call for aggression which was, according to their point of view, a contradiction with the democratic founding values of the country.