Sam Mager

SAQ Manifest Destiny

1. Answer a, b, and c.
a) Define Manifest Destiny.
b) Give at least ONE piece of evidence of how the idea of Manifest Destiny served to
guide the practice of the American government.
c) Evaluate the impact of Manifest Destiny on ONE of the following, making sure to
provide at least ONE piece of evidence to support your description:
The American economy
American foreign policy
The American Indians
A) The belief that westward expansion was a justifiable right.
B) Due to economic depressions in both 1819 and 1839, many people began to move west in
search of new land and opportunities. This inspired James K. Polk to acquire the Oregon
Territory along the 49th parallel, further expanding the US’s territory.
C) For the Native Americans, Manifest Destiny caused negative consequences. They were
forced to travel along the trail of tears, where a large number of the population perished.