The term “Manifest Destiny” refers to the belief that white Americans must expand across the North American continent and that such expansion was ordained by God. The United States would act as the diffuser of Protestant Christianity and Jacksonian Democracy to as many people as possible. Because of this doctrine, several different presidents, particularly John Tyler and James K. Polk, were incredibly driven to expand and add more territory to the United States. The idea behind Manifest Destiny had been around since Jefferson’s presidency; it just didn’t have a specific name at the time. Thus, Manifest Destiny was a core American belief and contributed to a sense of national unity as “Americans” who must spread their ways to others in North America.
Andrew Jackson was unlike any president who preceded him. Many believed that he represented the political interests of the lower class, working people, which was the majority of America and thus a very important faction to please. He established a unique Jacksonian Democracy and he had an ambitious presidential agenda. He oversaw the removal of thousands of Indians to Oklahoma in order to make more land for white settlers and appease the state of Georgia. He fought vehemently against the Second Bank of the United States, which he saw as an elitist threat to democracy. He also rallied against South Carolina’s assertion that they could nullify federal law if they thought it was unconstitutional. Overall, Andrew Jackson’s political views and policies had lasting effects on the United States.
The center of the state of New York was greatly isolated from the rest of the state and the prosperous commercial coast. The farmers that lived there faced great difficulty in trying to sell their crops and make a living, but there was no easily-navigable route for them to take. So, New York City Mayor, and later Governor, DeWitt Clinton made it his goal (and the foundation of his campaign for governor) to make a canal that ran from the Hudson Valley to Buffalo. The plan required an astounding feat in engineering, including several water-raising locks to account for differences in elevation, but this did not dissuade the governor, and the canal was completed in 1825. The Erie Canal was a step forward in technology and gave farmers on its route an easy new way to participate in the new global economy.
The Second Great Awakening was a great social and religious event during which many Americans sought to reform and the creation of a more moral United States. During this period, many new denominations of religions were created. Most were unorthodox and opposed traditional ways of worship, and some involve the creation of Utopian religious communities. Some examples of new religious groups were the Shakers, the Oneida Community, and New Harmony Community, and the Mormons. The sense of religious revivalism led to the push for social reform as well. The women’s rights and abolitionist movements grew and spread, and people advocated for reforms for prisoners and the mentally ill. Overall, countless reforms created a more humane and usually better American society.