What did manifest destiny have to do with transcendentalism?

Answer 1

Manifest Destiny, the 19th-century belief in the expansion of the United States across North America, intersected with transcendentalism by fostering a sense of individualism and a connection to nature. Transcendentalists emphasized self-reliance and the belief that individuals could intuitively understand moral truths, which resonated with the idea of exploring and settling new territories. However, while manifest destiny often justified territorial expansion at the expense of Indigenous peoples, transcendentalists like Henry David Thoreau criticized materialism and promoted a more harmonious relationship with nature. Thus, the two movements reflect contrasting attitudes toward progress and the natural world.