In 19th century America, the concept of manifest destinywas widespread.The goal of the American colonists was to extend over North America. The three basic concepts of manifest destiny are:

The individuals and organizations of the United States of America have unique qualities.

The United States aims to cleanse and reconstruct the western world in the picture of the agricultural East.

It's an overwhelming mission to do this vital task.

According to archaeologist Frederick Merk, 'a feeling of purpose to restore the Old World by noble example... produced by the possibilities of a future planet for establishing a new paradise' inspired this thought. Newspaper reporter John O'Sullivan is normally attributed with inventing a new word manifest destiny in 1845 to define the significance of this attitude; other scholars believe the unauthenticated article termed 'Annexation' where it first emerged was authored by reporter and annexation activist Jane Cazneau.

Historians have pointed out that 'manifest destiny' was a contentious notion, with Democrats supporting it and many famous Americans opposing it.

For its intrinsic constraints and the question of American slavery, Manifest Destiny would never become a nationwide goal, according to Merk. Former US President John Quincy Adams, who had been a strong advocate of the manifest destiny notion before 1843, had altered his views and opposed adventurism since it entailed the spread of enslavement in Texas. Manifest destiny has been criticized by certain scholars as a concept used to legitimize displacement and violence towards Native Americans.