Manifest Destiny!!

Manifest Destiny!!Take a look at the print, American Progress, and tell me what it tells you about the concept of Manifest Destiny. In other words, "deconstruct" the print. What's going on in here? Who is the woman? Why is she floating? What's she carrying? Why is she dressed in white?, etc. How does the print reinforce Manifest Destiny?  Second,  Do you think concept of Manifest Destiny as the United States applied it in the 19th century was valid? After all, it added what is now Texas, New Mexico, and California to the U.S. Do you belive the attitude (rather than the practice) of Manifest Destiny is alive in the United States today? If so, is it good or bad?

Comments

[Martha Lorena Marquez]

The construction of roads and canals for steam boats were a major event that took place ater the war of 1812.

[Martha Lorena Marquez]

I think she represent the pilgrims that migrated to this new land. It seems to me that white means a new start. The bag means she is traveling in order to discover new places. The floating on air it might be that the new republic was becoming big rapidly.
I think it is a combination of destiny and attitude that is still alive today in the U.S.

[Juan P. Arze]

It seems as if the lady who is in this painting represents the United States she's holding a book and apparently a telegraph cable. I think this simbolize the effort of America to conquest the west, native americans, and it's wild life. She seems as if she's floating towards the west. The manifest effect was still active in the 1990's when the United States tried to take it's education and technology to save some caribbean countries. It still seems as if today America wants to enlighten new countries.

[OLIVIER BLE]

What's going on here is great movement of people toward the West of America. Manifest Destiny was the 19th century American belief that the United States was destined to expand across the North American continent. The in this picture is called "COLOMBIA", the feminine personification of United States of America.
Colombia is floating in this picture to show how fast the conquerring of the West was going. she holds a school book. The print reinforce manifest destiny by showing different economic activities of the pioneers, highlighting the changing forms of transportation. The United States has always been thinking that he's superior to any nation in the World. In the 19th century,even though the West was colonized by the Spanish, Americans went to conquer these territories because they thought they had the enlightenment that these people needed to live better. Today also, whereas it's not on the American soil, the USA think they have for mission to rule the world. We can see that with the war in Irak, the war against the middle-east countries in general,but this is bad because these countries don't want to dominated anymore and that's why they attack the USA with terrorism. Manifest destiny will be good if it was applyed only in counties where they accept to learn from the USA and become prosperous as USA is. It doesn't need to be applyed by force.

[rediet haile]

Manifest Destiney
It was americas desire to cover the area of what is now called the United States of America. The painting of the women titles American progress, portrays the transformation of America. Her clothing, in white, i think tries to show a time of peace. In her hand she has some kind of book, which may try to show the development of education in America.
In the 19th century this concept was not valid. I believe they where more in search of territorial expansion. The attitude still does exits now but it is a little bit diffrent. I think today america is still trying to expand its values and tries to be an example of a true democratic country.

[kwame sarfo]

i think the picture tells more about mass american sttlers movement from the south and east to the west. the woman in the picture signifies a form of an angel leading them through where to settle, the book she is holding contains improvement of transportation, colonization, and encouragemnt. in the 19th century "this" concept was valid because it still caused migration throughout the country. The attitide of the manifest destiny still continues today and i believe that its good because it creates dependence.

[kisha Simpson]

I think this painting is uncovering the transition progress American went through. Early in the semester we spoke about how women did not had the same equal rights as men so the women in the painting is representing how women are free from being only a housewife. I think she is carrying a bible because by this time is discrimination was not in the form for gender, or religion it was only by color that you were Discriminated against. She is wearing white because white is recognized as a color of being pure, and clean. In addition to the painting you can see how roads, canals, and even railways were built and people migrating west as others are building there form of living in the east. Not only are they moviing west but they are kicking the indians outs of their territory.
This painting reinforce Destiny because it was not something that just hapopen to me it kinka like they just took the land that they want the wanted. Although, the indians were her first they probably felt that it was less that they could do because of they welcomed them into the culture but European settlers killed them off with diseases. Yes, you would say they menifest Destiny but they went about it the wrong way. I believe in the attitude but not the practice.

[monique ricks]

What i see when i look at this picture is people, families going west looking for a better life.To me she looks as though she could be an angle leading they way, a guardian angle. The way she appears it as if she is floating. Like she is saying follow me and i will guide you to your destiny. The book could be that of justice, or laws. For me the white represents purity, untouched land . This life is untouched. It looks like she has a string in her hands. i have no idea what that could mean unless she is saying don't let go of your hopes and dreams, don't forget what your reason is for traveling across this large country.

[Susan Jelanizada]

To me see looks like an angel going to bring the new ideas together with the power of technology, spreading the chances and values of a better life from one city to another. I think the concept of the Manifest Destiny to the United was valid because of the expansion and having more land in America. I think the concept of the attitude and destiny still is alive in America and I believe it is a good think since it gives people to grow and develop more in different areas.