Trump Revives ‘Manifest Destiny,’ 19th-Century American Imperialism

Washington, D.C. In the 19th century, the idea of Manifest Destiny captured the American imagination. It was a belief that the United States of America was divinely destined to expand across the North American continent, bringing civilization, democracy, and freedom. For its proponents, this ideology justified westward expansion, territorial acquisitions, and military interventions.

U.S. naval historian and strategist Alfred Thayer Mahan wrote on sea power and its influence on history. His work contributed indirectly to the expansionist ideas leading to ‘Manifest Destiny’ by emphasizing the strategic importance of naval power and overseas territories. My forebear Rear Admiral Stephen Bleecker Luce pushed this concept even further.

Mahan’s most famous work, “The Influence of Sea Power upon History, 1660–1783“ (published in 1890), argued that national greatness and economic prosperity depended on maritime supremacy. This perspective supported the late 19th-century American expansionist agenda, which included acquiring overseas territories like Panama, the Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico. It was, they argued, the God-ordained fate and even duty of the to roll out democracy under our flag to our, in the words of Teddy Roosevelt, ‘little brown brothers‘ around the world.

These ideas influenced the broader extension of the concept into American maritime and global ambitions during the Age of Imperialism. In the 21st century, such a framework is increasingly scrutinized as the world moves toward a global order rooted in mutual respect, interdependence, and cooperation. Although Henry Luce of Time-Life had declared the 1900s to be “The American Century,” most enlightened people felt Manifest Destiny was dead and buried in the 2000s by global rule.

Yet the new president of the United States today declared in his Inaugural Address that ‘Manifest Destiny‘ is alive and well. He stated:

“The United States will once again consider itself a growing nation, one that increases our wealth, expands our territory, builds our cities, raises our expectations, and carries our flag into new and beautiful horizons. And we will pursue our Manifest Destiny into the stars, launching American astronauts to plant the stars and stripes on the planet Mars.”

For me, as a descendant of Rear Admiral Stephen Bleecker Luce, the father of modern American naval education, this evolution in perspective carries personal resonance. While I respect Commander Luce’s contributions to America’s naval tradition and the geopolitical thinking of his time, I firmly believe that his worldview was shaped by an era in which American expansionism was celebrated. That mindset, rooted in Manifest Destiny, served the 19th century, but it is ill-suited for the challenges and realities of the 21st century.

The Historical Legacy of Stephen Bleecker Luce

Stephen Bleecker Luce (1827–1917) was a towering figure in U.S. naval history. As the founding president of the U.S. Naval War College in 1884, Luce played a critical role in institutionalizing naval education. He believed that a strong navy was essential for the U.S. to protect its interests and extend its influence globally. His thinking aligned closely with the principles of Manifest Destiny, reflecting a belief in American exceptionalism and the necessity of territorial and ideological expansion.

Luce’s contributions to naval strategy inspired contemporaries like Captain Alfred Thayer Mahan (1840–1914), another giant in naval history. Mahan’s seminal book, The Influence of Sea Power Upon History, 1660–1783, argued that national greatness depended on naval dominance and control of global trade routes. Mahan’s ideas influenced U.S. foreign policy at the turn of the century, helping to justify the acquisition of overseas territories such as Hawaii, the Philippines, and Puerto Rico following the Spanish-American War. These strategies reinforced the belief that American expansionism was both a moral obligation and a geopolitical necessity.

The Myth of Manifest Destiny

Manifest Destiny, a term coined in 1845 by journalist John L. O’Sullivan, framed westward expansion as inevitable and divinely ordained. It served as a justification for policies such as the annexation of Texas, the Oregon Trail migrations, and the Mexican-American War (1846–1848). However, this ideology also had devastating consequences, particularly for Indigenous peoples, whose lands were taken, cultures suppressed, and populations decimated.

In retrospect, Manifest Destiny was less about divine destiny and more about territorial ambition, driven by economic interests, racial superiority, and a desire for political dominance. By the early 20th century, the ideology began to extend beyond North America, influencing policies like the construction of the Panama Canal and interventions in Latin America under the guise of the Monroe Doctrine.

A Modern Perspective on American Expansionism

As we confront the complexities of the 21st century, it is clear that the mindset of Manifest Destiny no longer serves a world that is interconnected and interdependent. My perspective, deeply shaped by my experience as president of the J. Luce Foundation and my commitment to global education and cooperation, rejects the outdated notions of American exceptionalism and unilateralism.

While I honor my forbear, Stephen Bleecker Luce, for his contributions to naval education, I see his worldview as a reflection of his time, not a template for the future. The expansionist policies of the 19th and early 20th centuries often prioritized power over principle, leading to significant human and environmental costs.

Today, we advocate for a global order that emphasizes collaboration over domination, mutual respect over unilateralism, and shared responsibility over imperial ambitions. This perspective stands in stark contrast to the rhetoric of Donald Trump and other proponents of “America First” policies. Such an inward-looking and adversarial approach undermines the very principles of international cooperation that are essential for addressing global challenges like climate change, public health, and economic inequality.

Learning from History

As we navigate a rapidly changing world, the lessons of history stay vital. The legacy of figures like Stephen Bleecker Luce and Alfred Thayer Mahan offers valuable insights into the power dynamics of their time, but it also underscores the need for a more inclusive and equitable vision for the future.

Manifest Destiny, once used to justify expansion and conquest, can now serve as a cautionary tale—a reminder of the perils of unchecked ambition and the importance of humility in global leadership. By embracing a mindset of cooperation and respect, we can honor the best of our past while building a better future.

We are enthusiastic about supporting indigenous peoples, preserving cultures, and fostering global unity. Our world is strongest when we learn from each other and work together—not when one nation dominates others. This vision, rooted in global interdependence, is the antithesis of Manifest Destiny and a necessary evolution for the 21st century.

Trump Revives ‘Manifest Destiny,’ 19th-Century American Imperialism (Jan. 20, 2025)