The "Controversy Over Manifest Destiny" Worksheet

NEA Member, Eric Rodgers

This worksheet accompanies the "Manifest Destiny" lesson plan.

Written below are four quotes about the idea of "Manifest Destiny." (Quoted passages below can be found on Social Studies Help Center.) For each answer the questions found below as a group as we try to better understand the varying points of view about America's "Manifest Destiny."

"It is America's right to stretch from sea to shining sea. Not only do we have a responsibility to our citizens to gain valuable natural resources we also have a responsibility to civilize this beautiful land."

"... The American claim is by the right of our manifest to overspread and to possess the whole of the continent which Providence has given for the development of the great experiment of liberty and federative self-government entrusted to us. It is a right such as that of the tree to the space of air and earth for the full expansion of its principle and destiny of growth..."

List and describe the reasons that are given in support of Manifest Destiny.

a)

b)

c)

"America has no right to take the lands west of the Louisiana Territory. Those lands are rightfully owned by Mexico and to enter into conflict with the Mexicans just to expand and take that land would violate the principles of this great nation."

Manifest Destiny
More blood on the hands of Christ
They called themselves Christians
And gave themselves the rights
Disguised as missionaries
They were really after gold
Many Indians died for that
How many's never told

List and describe the reasons that are given in rejection of Manifest Destiny.

a)

b)

c)

d)