Assignment: Manifest Destiny
"American Progress"(1873) painted by John Gast depicts a female figure leading pioneers westward. This important allegorical illustration represents in full color the last of the American frontier being transformed by rapid population growth and industrial development. More importantly, this painting illuminates the point of departure and dividing line between areas where Native Americans lived and areas settled by more technology advanced peoples. Some critics argue this painting also illustrates a very important aspect of United States history called Manifest Destiny.
Directions:
• What is Manifest Destiny? How does it convey special virtues of the American people and their institutions in the late 1800s?
• How does this concept convey the important mission of the United States to redeem and remake the west in the image of agrarian America? Which of the Founding Father best rationalized this important mantra?
• Who paid the ultimately price for this expansion? What is justified? Why or why not?