Manifest Destiny Overview

Worksheet Description

This worksheet dives into the historical concept of Manifest Destiny, which refers to the 19th-century American belief in the nation’s inevitable expansion westward to the Pacific Ocean. It begins by providing context about the original thirteen colonies and details the subsequent growth of the United States through various historical events, including territorial acquisitions and wars. The text emphasizes key milestones like the acquisition of the Northwest Territory, the Louisiana Purchase, and conflicts like the war with Mexico. Towards the end, the worksheet poses a reflective question, prompting students to consider whether it was America’s “destiny” to claim the entire North American continent.

The educational goal of this worksheet is to impart knowledge about the origins and progression of the Manifest Destiny concept and its influence on the territorial expansion of the United States. By highlighting crucial historical events and territorial acquisitions, it aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of how the U.S. expanded to its present boundaries. Furthermore, the inclusion of the reflective question serves to encourage critical thinking, asking students to evaluate and form their own opinions on the concept of destiny in the context of American expansion. In essence, the worksheet seeks not only to inform but also to stimulate thoughtful discourse on the implications and interpretations of Manifest Destiny.