Study Group Details
1700: Manifest Destiny in US History 2.0: Polk's, McKinley's, and Trump's Ambitions for Expansion
Monday9:45 - 11:15
Starting June 02
In-Person
Manifest Destiny was the belief that westward expansion of the US from 13 original states to the Pacific was obvious and even divinely ordained. But were Indians, Mexicans, and the buffalo just in the way? This course will examine and discuss Manifest Destiny revived in 2025—Donald Trump's ambitions towards Greenland, Canada, and the Panama Canal. Also covered in detail will be the historic record—the long removal of Indian peoples; our seizure of half of Mexico in 1848; private 1850s filibustering expeditions into Central America; and our acquisition of Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and other Pacific territories.
This study group is a repeat with revisions
Class Type: Lecture and Discussion
Class Format: In-Person
Hours of Reading: 1 hr/week
Study Group Leader(s):
Joe Belden
Joe Belden has taught this topic and other OLLI study groups. His career was in work for nonprofits and government. He and his wife grew up in Texas but have lived in DC for 50 years. He is a graduate of the University of Texas and the Baylor University Law School.
Reading List
Manifest Destiny & American Territorial Expansion: A Brief His. w. Documents (Amy Greenberg) | 2018: Bedford St. Martins | ISBN: 978-1-319-08794-4 | Recommended