Manifest Destiny: How America Expanded from 13 Colonies to a Superpower!

Explore Manifest Destiny, the bold 19th-century vision that propelled America from 13 coastal states in 1783 to a transcontinental giant by 1900. In this video, retired Marine Infantry Officer and Citadel history graduate Ryan Sahlberg traces the expansions: From the Northwest Ordinance (1787) organizing western lands for settlement and growth, to the Louisiana Purchase (1803) doubling the nation for $15 million and opening trade routes, the Adams-Onís Treaty (1819) securing Florida's ports, Texas Annexation (1845) adding vast farmlands, the Oregon Treaty (1846) claiming the Pacific Northwest for pioneers, the Mexican-American War (1846-1848) gaining California amid border disputes over sparsely settled Mexican territories, the Gadsden Purchase (1853) enabling railroads, Alaska's 1867 acquisition for resources, and Hawaii's 1898 annexation for global reach.
We highlight the pros: Massive economic booms like the Gold Rush ($10B+ wealth), population surges to 76 million by 1900, national unity via railroads, and opportunities for settlers. Then, address criticisms: Native displacements like the Trail of Tears, wars costing lives and money, and ethical questions about imperialism. Ultimately, Manifest Destiny forged the greatest country on Earth—a land of innovation and strength.
What do you think—was Manifest Destiny a triumph worth the cost, or did the cons outweigh the gains? Comment below, like if this sparked thought, and subscribe to Manifest History for more untold American stories! #ManifestDestiny #AmericanHistory #USExpansion #WestwardExpansion

Website: ManifestHistory.com

X Page: @ManifestHistory / X.com/ManifestHistory

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manifest_history/

- COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER UNDER SECTION 107 OF THE COPYRIGHT ACT 1976
- Allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.