Westward Expansion and Manifest Destiny

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Manifest Destiny

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The 19th-century belief that the United States was destined to expand across North America, spreading democracy and civilization. It was used to justify territorial expansion.

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John O’Sullivan

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A journalist who coined the term Manifest Destiny in 1845, arguing that it was America’s divine right to expand westward.

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Mountain men

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Fur trappers and traders who explored the western frontier, often acting as guides for settlers moving west.

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Missionaries

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Religious individuals who traveled west to convert Native Americans to Christianity, often playing a role in settlement and cultural exchange.

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Mormons

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Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who moved west to escape religious persecution.

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Joseph Smith

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Founder of the Mormon faith in 1830, who claimed to have received divine revelations but was killed by a mob in 1844.

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Brigham Young

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The leader of the Mormons after Joseph Smith’s death, who led them west to Utah to establish a religious settlement.

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Oregon Trail

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A major route taken by thousands of pioneers traveling west to Oregon in search of land and opportunity.

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Kit Carson

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A famous frontiersman, scout, and explorer who guided settlers and military expeditions in the West.

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John C. Frémont

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An explorer and military officer who helped map the West and played a role in the U.S. acquisition of California.