Manifest Destiny Western Expansion

Objectives After today’s lesson, students will: Describe the ideas behind “Manifest Destiny”

Focus Question: What does it mean to be exceptional?

Western Expansion Americans moved west (1830s and 1840s) ◦ Spread into the Midwest ◦ Crossed the Mississippi ◦ Moving toward Oregon

Manifest Destiny

Promoted “American Exceptionalism” ◦ The U.S. was fated to spread over and dominate North America ◦ The U.S. could then spread the fruits of republican government to the continent Contains both positive and negative aspects

Positive Aspects Spread ideas of American democracy Promote the American system of economics Improve the lives of many Old theme in the United States

Negative Aspects Stresses a sense of chauvinism Requires others to submit to American wishes Could enter the U.S. into conflicts

Assignment Read “Americans Debate Expansion” pp Complete summary of the section

Summary Describe two things learned in class today Homework Read Chapter 9, Section 3 and answer the questions in the packet Vocabulary 13