In the nineteenth-century, many Americans began to migrate westward in response to a larger movement known as Manifest Destiny. Manifest Destiny emphasized the ideal of opportunity and gave farmers free land. Native Americans were compensated, and immigrants received jobs.
Manifest Destiny brought farmers many opportunities. The Homestead Act allowed many ex-soldiers to claim land. These groups were given a second chance at life by the 160 acres provided by government. It was a way to give opportunity to people who had been disadvantaged by providing them with arable land for growing crops. Manifest Destiny allowed African Americans and mixed-race families to live independently without being ruled over by a racist boss. Native Americans also benefited from the new opportunities that Manifest Destiny presented. Some tribes were able, such as the Makahs, to establish themselves as indispensable to their area. They used this to gain whale permit that enabled them to maintain their livelihood. Others, like Iroquois tribes, used new settlers for trade and increased their revenue. The compensation package that the U.S. offered to Native Americans who were subjected to Indian Removal Act included monetary payments and free education. Andrew Jackson stated that the federal government offered financial aid to the Native Americans to help them with their resettlement. This gave the Native Americans a chance for a fresh start, rather than wasting away as savages like they had in the East. The free education is also part of this. Some tribes such as the Navajo attended military boarding-schools while others such as the Makah received agricultural education. The Native Americans were helped through the use of money and knowledge. Manifest Destiny has opened up a brand new world.
Manifest Destiny also provided opportunities for immigrants. In the 19th century, immigrants from Europe, Asia, and Africa arrived in America to escape harsh conditions or simply seek a better lifestyle. Manifest Destiny changed that. Before Manifest Destiny was passed, employers in America would have offered alien immigrants a lowly job, similar to slavery. Manifest Destiny was a response to this refugee wave, allowing Chinese immigrants the opportunity to join the Gold Rush. Both Chinese and Irish were also allowed to work for the transcontinental Railroad. The textbook states that Central Pacific hired 10,000 Chinese in 1868. For Chinese immigrants and many other groups of immigrants, Manifest Destiny offered them the chance to create a new life in the U.S. away from the famines or religious persecutions they experienced back home. Manifest Destiny is a clear example of the founding ideal to provide opportunity to all.
Manifest Destiny, in conclusion, provided the founding ideals of opportunity through assisting discriminated or poor farmers, providing financial and educational aid to Native Americans, and creating jobs for immigrants to escape difficult situations. Manifest Destiny may have had some issues, but its positive impact on many groups shows the importance of the founding principles in America’s prosperity and growth. Making policy choices that give greater access the founding ideals – such as the Homestead Act – ensures America will never forget its founding mission. To serve as a place of democracy.
