Contextualization

Introduction to Manifest Destiny

Manifest Destiny was a belief that emerged in the 19th century in the United States. The term "Manifest Destiny" was first coined by journalist John O'Sullivan in 1845, who stated that expansion across the continent was a divine and inevitable right of the American people. This belief drove the westward expansion of the United States and influenced American policy towards Native Americans, Mexicans, and other foreign nations.

The concept of Manifest Destiny was based on the idea of American exceptionalism, which held that the United States was a unique and morally superior nation with a special mission to spread its values and institutions. This belief played a significant role in shaping American attitudes towards territorial expansion and foreign policy during the 19th century.

Main Ideas and Historical Context

Manifest Destiny was an influential force in shaping the territorial boundaries of the United States. It was a key factor in the acquisition of vast territories such as Oregon, Texas, and California. The idea of Manifest Destiny was also used to justify the displacement and mistreatment of Native Americans, as well as the annexation of Mexican territory.

The concept of Manifest Destiny was not without its critics. Some, like the writer Henry David Thoreau, argued that it was an excuse for aggression and imperialism. Others, such as the abolitionist Frederick Douglass, saw it as a pretext for the expansion of slavery.

Resources

For a deeper understanding of Manifest Destiny, the following resources are recommended:

1. PBS Documentary: "Manifest Destiny"
2. Digital History: "Manifest Destiny"
3. American Experience: "The Gold Rush"
4. Library of Congress - Primary Documents in American History: "The Monroe Doctrine"

These resources provide a comprehensive overview of Manifest Destiny, its historical context, and its impact on U.S. history.

Practical Activity

Activity Title: "Manifest Destiny: A Journey to the West"

Objective of the Project:

The objective of this project is to provide students with a hands-on understanding of the concept of Manifest Destiny, its causes, and its effects. Students will work collaboratively to create a visual presentation and a narrative story that reflects the historical events surrounding Manifest Destiny.

Detailed Description of the Project:

In this project, students will be divided into groups of 3 to 5 and will be assigned a specific event or territory related to Manifest Destiny. Each group will then create a "journey" that reflects the historical events leading up to the acquisition of that territory. The journey should include key events, notable figures, and an analysis of the impact of Manifest Destiny on the local population.

Groups will also be tasked with creating a visual presentation to complement their narrative story. The presentation should include maps, images, and other visual aids to help illustrate their journey and the effects of Manifest Destiny.

Necessary Materials:

1. Access to the internet for research
2. Art supplies for creating visual aids (poster board, markers, colored pencils, etc.)
3. Presentation software (PowerPoint, Google Slides, etc.) for creating the visual presentation

Detailed Step-by-Step for Carrying out the Activity:

1. Research (1 hour): Each group will start by researching their assigned topic. They should look for information on the key events, figures, and impacts related to their topic.
2. Storyboarding (30 minutes): After completing their research, the group will create a storyboard for their journey. The storyboard should outline the key events and how they will be presented in the narrative story and the visual presentation.
3. Narrative Story (1 hour): Using their storyboard as a guide, the group will write a narrative story that reflects their journey. The story should be engaging and informative, highlighting the key points from their research.
4. Visual Presentation (1 hour): Simultaneously, the group will create a visual presentation that complements their narrative story. The presentation should include maps, images, and other visual aids that help illustrate their journey and the effects of Manifest Destiny.
5. Integration (30 minutes): The group will integrate their narrative story and visual presentation, making sure that each complements the other and tells a cohesive story.
6. Revision (30 minutes): The group will review their work, making any necessary revisions or additions.
7. Final Presentation and Report Writing (1 hour): Each group will present their project to the class, explaining their journey and the effects of Manifest Destiny on their assigned territory. After the presentation, each group will work together to write the final report.

The written document must contain:

1. Introduction: Contextualize the theme, its relevance, and real-world application. State the objective of the project.
2. Development: Detail the theory behind Manifest Destiny, explain the activity in detail, indicate the methodology used, and present and discuss the obtained results.
3. Conclusion: Conclude the work by revisiting its main points and explicitly stating the learnings and conclusions drawn about Manifest Destiny.
4. Bibliography: Indicate the sources you relied on to work on the project, such as books, web pages, videos, among others.

This project should take approximately 4-5 hours to complete and is designed to not only deepen students' understanding of Manifest Destiny but also to develop their research, collaborative, and creative skills.