Expert: Michael Troy - 11/29/2009

Question
Can you list three or four ways the manifest destiny's impact on foreign policy?  

Answer
Hello,

Manifest Destiny was the idea that the US was destined to take over virtually all of North America.  As a result, its main impact was on other countries that had claims or potential claims on North America.  It resulted in a rather aggressive policy toward Mexico, as the US took large portions of land claimed by Mexico, especially during the Mexican War.  It also almost led to war with Britain several times over conflicting claims on the boarders with Canada.  US focus on expanding west probably had an impact on policies of neutrality in staying out of many other foreign conflicts during most of the 19th century.

Once the US reached the Pacific, some advocates of Manifest Destiny began to expand their thinking across the Pacific and into Asia.  This eventually led to US takeover of Hawaii, the Philippines, and other minor territories in the Pacific.  It also led to aggressive policies against China.

I hope this helps!
- Mike