Other nations have tried to check... the fulfillment of our manifest destiny to overspread the continent allotted by Providence for the free development of our yearly multiplying millions.

Summary

This quote suggests that the speaker believes it is the divine will for the United States to expand its territory and population freely across the continent. The phrase "manifest destiny" refers to the belief prevalent in 19th-century America that the nation had a divine right to expand its borders. The speaker implies that other countries have attempted to hinder or obstruct this expansion, but imply that these attempts will ultimately be futile as the United States is destined to continue growing and prospering.

Topics