Question

How did the creation of the Oregon Territory relate to Manifest Destiny?

Answer 1

The creation of the Oregon Territory was directly related to the concept of manifest destiny that emerged in the 19th century. Manifest destiny was the belief prevalent among Americans that it was their destiny and duty to expand and settle across the whole North American continent.

During this time, the Oregon Territory was claimed by both the United States and Britain, which created a dispute commonly known as the Oregon boundary dispute. However, the idea of manifest destiny fueled American desires to acquire this territory as part of their vision to spread democracy and American values from coast to coast.

Advocates of manifest destiny saw the vast lands of the Oregon Territory as an ideal opportunity to continue the westward expansion of the United States. They believed that expanding into Oregon would fulfill the nation's destiny, bring progress and prosperity, and secure their vision of a continental nation stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific.

The concept of manifest destiny provided the ideological justification for American pioneers and settlers to push westward, energizing them to overcome challenges and hardships in their pursuit of new opportunities. Ultimately, the United States and Britain negotiated the Oregon Treaty of 1846, which divided the Oregon Territory along the 49th parallel, granting the southern portion to the United States.