Manifest Destiny is defined as “the belief held by many Americans in the 1840s that the United States was designed to expand westward” (Columbia University). John O'Sullivan originally coined the phrase manifest destiny and provided three reasons behind the westward movement. One of the reasons he gave was that God wanted the Americans to expand their territory. The second reason suggested that America's expansion meant expanding and spreading democracy, which would improve the world. The final reason was that an increase in population required the settlement of more land. O'Sullivan explained the westward movement in his article The Great Nation of Futurity as follows: “The expansive future is our arena and that of our history. We enter its unexplored space, with hearts untouched by the past. (“The Great Nation…”). Even though O'Sullivan didn't coin the phrase until the 1900s, the idea of ​​exploring America and experiencing all that the country had to offer was already hundreds of years in the making. Immigrants from Europe, in particular, sought America for religious freedom, new lands, and a fresh start. Many traveled to America in search of gold and other natural resources. People call this the “American Dream” with which one can start a better life. Once America gained its independence, the natural rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness attracted even more people to America. What also made America so attractive compared to other countries was that it had no permanent class rankings; the social class one was born into does not necessarily have to be the class in which the person died. It wasn't long before large shiploads of people began shipping to America. Many people were attracted to the ideas manifest... middle of paper... that is, quickly, but rather fade over time. Like those child stars who disappear forever, the American dream may just be a thing of the past. History Teacher 45.1 (2011): 117-121. Historical reference center. Internet. April 29, 2014. Columbia University, Press. “Manifest Destiny.” Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th edition (2013): 1. Historical Reference Center. Internet. April 29, 2014 Mason Crest, publishers. “Manifest Destiny.” Exploring the American West (2003): 14-19. Historical reference center. Internet. April 29, 2014. Meacham, Jon. "Keeping the dream alive... (Cover)." Time 180.1 (2012): 26. Historical Reference Center. Internet. April 29, 2014. O'Sullivan, John. “The great nation of the future”. The United States Democratic Review. Volume 6, number 23, pp.. 426-430