Manifest Destiny and Western Expansion

Manifest Destiny is a term to describe Americans desire to explore and expand across the entire continent during the 19th century. Westward Expansion began in the United States following the end of the War of 1812. Between 1816 and 1821, six new states were added to the union, and pioneer families swept westward to fill these new lands. While westward expansion impoved the lives of many Americans, it displaced thousands of Native Americans.