U.S. Expansion: Growth Of A Nation (1989)

In 1845, John L. O’Sullivan coined the term “manifest destiny,” signifying the belief that the United States was destined to expand across North America. By this time, the nation had grown from 13 colonies to 27 states and various territories, continuing its expansion to the Pacific coast, Alaska, and Hawaii. This growth involved conflicts with British, French, Spanish, Mexican, and Native American groups. The Northwest Ordinance facilitated westward migration, leading to the establishment of new states like Ohio. Settlers, including farmers and merchants, moved westward, often displacing Native Americans through treaties and conflict. The U.S. acquired territories through purchases, such as the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, and through war, notably the Mexican-American War, which resulted in the acquisition of California and the Southwest. The discovery of gold in California in 1849 spurred further migration. Alaska was purchased from Russia in 1867, and Hawaii was annexed in 1898 after a series of political maneuvers. By the end of the 19th century, the U.S. had transformed from a collection of colonies into a significant nation spanning from the Atlantic to the Pacific.

Keywords: manifest destiny, John L. O’Sullivan, expansion, United States, territories, conflicts, Northwest Ordinance, settlers, Native Americans, Louisiana Purchase, Mexican-American War, California, gold rush, Alaska, Hawaii, annexation.

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