Manifest Destiny & American Progress First said by newspaper editor, John O’Sullivan in 1845 A myth of the West as a land of romance & adventure emerges in the 1800’s American Progress Famous painting by John Gast, 1872 NOTES
John O’Sullivan Quote ".... the right of our manifest destiny to over spread and to possess the whole of the continent which Providence has given us for the development of the great experiment of liberty and federaltive development of self-government entrusted to us. It is right such as that of the tree to the space of air and the earth suitable for the full expansion of its principle and destiny of growth." NOTES
American Progress by John Gast NOTES
In which direction is the movement headed? What does this symbolize?
Notice the use of light and darkness in the image Notice the use of light and darkness in the image. What do you think this symbolizes?
Who and what do you see that seem to be running away from “Progress”?
What images of technology do you see that indicate the advance of “civilization” into the West?
What groups of people are moving toward the west What groups of people are moving toward the west? What motivations would they have to move?
How does this image reflect the idea of Manifest Destiny?