Origin of the term Manifest destiny

john l. o sullivan, sketched in 1874, influential columnist young man, remembered use of phrase manifest destiny advocate annexation of texas , oregon.

journalist john l. o sullivan, influential advocate jacksonian democracy , complex character described julian hawthorne full of grand , world-embracing schemes , wrote article in 1839, which, while not using term manifest destiny , did predict divine destiny united states based upon values such equality, rights of conscience, , personal enfranchisement establish on earth moral dignity , salvation of man . destiny not explicitly territorial, o sullivan predicted united states 1 of union of many republics sharing values.

six years later, in 1845, o sullivan wrote essay titled annexation in democratic review, in first used phrase manifest destiny. in article urged u.s. annex republic of texas, not because texas desired this, because our manifest destiny overspread continent allotted providence free development of our yearly multiplying millions . overcoming whig opposition, democrats annexed texas in 1845. o sullivan s first usage of phrase manifest destiny attracted little attention.

o sullivan s second use of phrase became extremely influential. on december 27, 1845, in newspaper new york morning news, o sullivan addressed ongoing boundary dispute britain. o sullivan argued united states had right claim whole of oregon :

and claim right of our manifest destiny overspread , possess whole of continent providence has given development of great experiment of liberty , federated self-government entrusted us.

that is, o sullivan believed providence had given united states mission spread republican democracy ( great experiment of liberty ). because britain not spread democracy, thought o sullivan, british claims territory should overruled. o sullivan believed manifest destiny moral ideal (a higher law ) superseded other considerations.

o sullivan s original conception of manifest destiny not call territorial expansion force. believed expansion of united states happen without direction of u.s. government or involvement of military. after americans immigrated new regions, set new democratic governments, , seek admission united states, texas had done. in 1845, o sullivan predicted california follow pattern next, , canada request annexation well. disapproved of mexican–american war in 1846, although came believe outcome beneficial both countries.

ironically, o sullivan s term became popular after criticized whig opponents of polk administration. whigs denounced manifest destiny, arguing, designers , supporters of schemes of conquest, carried on government, engaged in treason our constitution , declaration of rights, giving aid , comfort enemies of republicanism, in advocating , preaching doctrine of right of conquest . on january 3, 1846, representative robert winthrop ridiculed concept in congress, saying suppose right of manifest destiny spread not admitted exist in nation except universal yankee nation . winthrop first in long line of critics suggested advocates of manifest destiny citing divine providence justification of actions motivated chauvinism , self-interest. despite criticism, expansionists embraced phrase, caught on origin forgotten.