An 1845 article called “Annexation” was the first appearance of this 2-word phrase implying inevitability
The Final Jeopardy clue for Thursday, May 29, 2025, was presented under the category . The clue read: An 1845 article called “Annexation” was the first appearance of this 2-word phrase implying inevitability.
What is Manifest Destiny?
This phrase, which has become deeply embedded in the political and historical discourse of the United States, was first used in a July 1845 issue of the United States Magazine and Democratic Review. The article titled “Annexation” was written by John L. O’Sullivan, a journalist and editor. He used the term “manifest destiny” to promote the annexation of Texas, asserting that it was America’s “manifest destiny to overspread the continent allotted by Providence for the free development of our yearly multiplying millions.” This was the first known printed use of the phrase.
Understanding “Manifest Destiny”
At its core, the phrase “manifest destiny” conveyed a belief in the inevitable and divinely sanctioned expansion of the United States across the North American continent. It reflected a widespread sentiment in 19th-century America that westward expansion was not only justified but fated. The phrase combined a sense of mission with a tone of certainty, helping to frame territorial growth as both moral and preordained.
O’Sullivan’s writing did not just coin a phrase; it gave voice to a powerful ideology that would drive U.S. policy and public opinion for decades. The notion of manifest destiny was used to justify actions ranging from the annexation of vast territories to military conflicts such as the Mexican-American War. It became a key part of the rhetoric that shaped America’s continental ambitions.
Impact on American Policy and Expansion
Following the publication of the 1845 article, the concept of manifest destiny quickly took hold in American political circles. It provided a framework that encouraged the acquisition of Oregon, California, and the Southwest. Policymakers and expansionists invoked the phrase to argue that the United States had a duty to spread democracy and civilization.
The phrase’s popularity also influenced public opinion. As the country expanded, manifest destiny was used to justify the displacement of Native American communities, the war with Mexico, and debates over the extension of slavery into new territories. While it was a unifying call for some, it was a source of conflict and controversy for others, especially as it intersected with sectional tensions in the pre-Civil War era.
A Phrase with Lasting Legacy
Although the use of the term “manifest destiny” declined after the 19th century, its legacy endured. The ideology behind it helped define the national character of the United States, embedding a narrative of exceptionalism and territorial entitlement. The phrase is now studied in academic and historical contexts as a significant example of how language can shape public policy and national identity.
Today, historians often examine “manifest destiny” critically, recognizing both the cultural influence it had and the consequences it carried. The term has become emblematic of a period in which national growth was pursued at great cost to others, particularly Indigenous peoples and neighboring nations.
Conclusion
The phrase “manifest destiny” first appeared in an 1845 article advocating the annexation of Texas and quickly grew into a guiding principle for American expansionism. Its origins in political journalism reveal the power of language in shaping national beliefs. While the phrase implied inevitability, its real-world application had complex and lasting consequences. Final Jeopardy’s spotlight on this phrase served as a reminder of how a few carefully chosen words can encapsulate an entire era of history.