Objectives (5 - 7 minutes)

1. To provide students with a general understanding of the concept of Manifest Destiny, its historical context, and its impact on the United States during the 19th century.
2. To help students identify and describe the key beliefs and motivations behind Manifest Destiny, such as the idea of American exceptionalism and the desire for territorial expansion.
3. To encourage students to explore the consequences of Manifest Destiny, both positive and negative, including the displacement and mistreatment of Native American populations.

Secondary Objectives:

• To enhance students' critical thinking skills by engaging them in discussions about the ethics and implications of Manifest Destiny.
• To improve students' ability to analyze historical events and their impacts on present-day circumstances.

Introduction (10 - 12 minutes)

1. The teacher starts the class by reminding students about the previous lessons on American history, focusing on the period leading up to the 19th century. This includes the American Revolution, the formation of the Constitution, and the early years of the Republic. The teacher also highlights the importance of the geographical expansion of the United States during this time and its implications on the nation's identity.

2. To engage the students, the teacher presents two problem situations:

   • "Imagine you are an American citizen in the 1800s, and you strongly believe that your country's values and way of life are superior to others. How might this belief influence your perspective on your country's territorial expansion?"
   • "Consider you are a Native American tribe living peacefully on your land for centuries, and suddenly, a large number of American settlers arrive, claiming your land as their own because they believe they are destined to occupy it. How would you feel and respond?"

3. The teacher then contextualizes the importance of the subject with real-world applications, explaining that the concept of Manifest Destiny has profoundly shaped the United States' modern identity, its geographical boundaries, and its relationship with Native American tribes.

4. To introduce the topic in an intriguing way, the teacher shares two curiosities:

   • "Did you know that the term 'Manifest Destiny' was first coined by a journalist in 1845, long after the concept had already influenced American policy and expansion?"
   • "Have you ever wondered why the United States stretches from the Atlantic to the Pacific, but not further? The idea of Manifest Destiny played a significant role in this, as it compelled Americans to expand westward."

5. The teacher ends the introduction by formally presenting the lesson's objectives, reassuring students that they will understand the complex concept of Manifest Destiny by the end of the class.

Development (20 - 25 minutes)

1. Definition and Context of Manifest Destiny (5 - 7 minutes)

   • The teacher starts by defining Manifest Destiny as the 19th-century belief that the United States was destined by God, fate, or history to expand across the North American continent, from the Atlantic to the Pacific.
   • The teacher emphasizes that Manifest Destiny was not a policy, but a widely held belief that influenced American policy and expansion.
   • The teacher explains that this belief was rooted in the concept of American exceptionalism, the idea that the United States is inherently different from other nations and has a unique mission to spread its values and institutions.
   • The teacher also notes that Manifest Destiny was influenced by economic factors, such as the desire for new markets and resources, and by racial attitudes of the time.

2. Origins and Key Figures of Manifest Destiny (7 - 8 minutes)

   • The teacher provides a brief overview of the origins of Manifest Destiny, stating that it emerged as a concept in the 1840s, but its roots can be traced back to the founding of the United States and the idea of westward expansion.
   • The teacher highlights key figures who promoted the idea of Manifest Destiny, such as John L. O'Sullivan, a newspaper editor who first coined the phrase, and President James K. Polk, who made territorial expansion a priority during his administration.
   • The teacher explains that the idea was popular among politicians, journalists, and the general population, and it significantly influenced American policy and public opinion during the 19th century.

3. Territorial Expansion and Manifest Destiny (5 - 7 minutes)

   • The teacher delves into the specifics of how Manifest Destiny influenced territorial expansion.
   • The teacher explains that the United States acquired vast territories during this period, including the Louisiana Purchase, Florida, Texas, Oregon, and the Mexican Cession.
   • The teacher emphasizes the role of the Oregon Trail, the Santa Fe Trail, and the California Gold Rush in the westward expansion, and how the belief in Manifest Destiny motivated settlers and pioneers to embark on these journeys.
   • The teacher also notes that this expansion was not always peaceful, leading to conflicts with Native American tribes and with Mexico during the Mexican-American War.

4. Impact and Legacy of Manifest Destiny (3 - 4 minutes)

   • The teacher concludes this section by discussing the impact and legacy of Manifest Destiny.
   • The teacher explains that this belief has profoundly influenced American culture, politics, and identity. It has shaped the concept of the American Dream, the idea that anyone can achieve success and prosperity through hard work, and has contributed to the country's sense of exceptionalism.
   • The teacher also emphasizes that the concept of Manifest Destiny has been critiqued for its ethnocentric and expansionist nature, and for the displacement and mistreatment of Native American tribes.
   • The teacher prompts a short class discussion on the ethical implications of Manifest Destiny, encouraging students to consider both its positive and negative aspects.

Feedback (8 - 10 minutes)

1. Assessing Understanding (3 - 4 minutes)

   • The teacher proposes a quick summary activity to gauge students' understanding. They ask a few students to summarize the main points of the lesson. This can be done either orally or in written form.
   • The teacher then asks the students to relate the concept of Manifest Destiny to their previous knowledge of American history. For instance, they can be asked to explain how the idea of westward expansion relates to the formation of the United States and the growth of its territories.
   • The teacher also encourages the students to share their thoughts on the impact and legacy of Manifest Destiny, both positive and negative.

2. Reflection and Connection (3 - 4 minutes)

   • The teacher suggests that students take a few moments to reflect on the lesson. They can ask the students to write down their answers to the following questions:
     1. "What was the most important concept you learned today about Manifest Destiny?"
     2. "What questions do you still have about Manifest Destiny?"
   • The teacher then asks students to share their reflections. This can be done in a whole-class discussion or in smaller groups. The teacher notes down any common questions or areas of confusion for future lessons.

3. Real-World Application (2 - 3 minutes)

   • The teacher concludes the lesson by discussing how the concept of Manifest Destiny is still relevant today. They can mention that the idea of American exceptionalism continues to influence US foreign policy and attitudes towards other nations.
   • The teacher can also highlight that the legacy of Manifest Destiny can be seen in the ongoing struggles and disparities faced by Native American tribes. This can lead to a brief discussion about current issues and efforts to address the historical injustices caused by Manifest Destiny.

4. Homework Assignment (1 minute)

   • The teacher assigns homework for students to further explore the concept of Manifest Destiny. This can include reading a short article, watching a video, or conducting a brief online research on a related topic. The teacher provides clear instructions on the assignment and its due date.

The teacher has now completed the lesson on Manifest Destiny, having provided students with a comprehensive understanding of the concept, its historical context, and its impact on the United States. The lesson has also encouraged critical thinking and reflection, allowing students to consider the ethical implications of Manifest Destiny and its relevance to the modern world.

Conclusion (5 - 7 minutes)

1. Lesson Recap (2 - 3 minutes)

   • The teacher begins the conclusion by summarizing the main points of the lesson. This includes the definition of Manifest Destiny, its historical context, and its key beliefs and motivations.
   • The teacher also recaps the role of Manifest Destiny in the territorial expansion of the United States, the conflicts it led to, and its impact on American culture and identity.
   • The teacher emphasizes the importance of understanding Manifest Destiny as a complex and influential belief system that profoundly shaped American history.

2. Connection of Theory, Practice, and Applications (1 minute)

   • To solidify the students' understanding, the teacher explains how the lesson connected theory, practice, and real-world applications.
   • The teacher highlights that the lesson began with a theoretical discussion on Manifest Destiny, providing a conceptual framework for understanding the topic. This was followed by a practical exploration of the concept's origins, key figures, and its role in territorial expansion.
   • Finally, the teacher points out that the lesson connected theory and practice with real-world applications by discussing the impact and legacy of Manifest Destiny, and its ongoing relevance in American society and foreign policy.

3. Additional Materials (1 - 2 minutes)

   • The teacher suggests additional materials for students interested in further exploring the topic. This can include books, documentaries, or websites on American history and the concept of Manifest Destiny.
   • The teacher assures students that these materials are not mandatory but can deepen their understanding and provide different perspectives on the topic. They can also be useful for the students' homework assignment.

4. Relevance of the Topic (1 - 2 minutes)

   • Lastly, the teacher underlines the importance of understanding Manifest Destiny for everyday life. They explain that this historical concept has shaped the geographical boundaries of the United States, its cultural identity, and its relationship with other nations.
   • The teacher also emphasizes that understanding the concept of Manifest Destiny can help students make sense of current events and issues, such as debates over immigration, land rights, and American attitudes towards other nations.
   • The teacher concludes the lesson by encouraging students to reflect on the lessons learned and to continue exploring the fascinating history of their nation. The teacher thanks the students for their active participation and bids them farewell.

With this, the teacher has completed the lesson, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of Manifest Destiny and its significance in American history and modern society.