How to Manifest Your Destiny
History meets Spirituality: What does 1845 have in common with 2020?
What Does “Manifest Destiny” Mean Historically?
In the mid 1800’s — 1845 to be exact — the term “Manifest Destiny” was introduced to explain the phenomenon that westward expansion was necessary on the North American continent.
In fact, the expansion of the United States eventually exacerbated the issue of slavery — which was one of the largest factors that fueled the American Civil War from 1861–1865.
Essentially, the term “Manifest Destiny” was used as a way to explain why Americans moved west in the 1800’s and claimed land as theirs, even when native people had been living there for centuries.
It was seen as their “destiny” to go west in order to spread ideas — and increase power and hold in North America, as Spain and France had vast territories at the time.
What Has “Manifest Destiny” Been Adapted to Mean in 2020?
Manifest: to show or create clearly
Destiny: a predetermined course of events often held to be an irresistible power or agency
