Manifest Destiny and American Territorial Expansion: A Brief History with Documents

by Amy S. Greenberg

Delving into the ideological origins, social and economic impetus, and territorial acquisitions that fueled U.S. territorial expansion in the nineteenth century, Manifest Destiny and American Territorial Expansion highlights key components in history which influenced the growth of the country to help you better understand how the U.S. grew to the size it is today.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

208 pages, Paperback

First published December 23, 2011

About the author

Amy Greenberg is Liberal Arts Research Professor of History and Women's Studies at Penn State. She is a leading scholar of Manifest Destiny and has held fellowships from the Huntington Library, the New York Historical Society, the Guggenheim Foundation, and the American Philosophical Society. Her previous books include Manifest Manhood, Antebellum American Empire, and Cause for Alarm.

Reviews

[Emery · Rating 4 out of 5]

A varied but relevant collection of documents and narratives concerning Manifest Destiny in the United States. Several social and racial classes represent both proponents and opponents. An excellent intro and overview of American Expansion more broadly and the philosophy that defined it more specifically.

[Kent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very accessible overview of Manifest Destiny, what it means/meant, how it different from earlier expansion, and why so many Americans believed in it. The collection of documents presents a fantastic variety from traditional political sources to cultural items. Great for anyone needing a quick summary of the topic or for using in the classroom.

[Chianna Li · Rating 2 out of 5]

No documents from women’s POV or Mexicans/British during the annexation of Oregon and Texas.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much like the book on the Missouri Compromise, a learning experience. I did know more about this subject but regardless I learned a lot, especially about our lust for expansion.