Compare and contrast Manifest Destiny and Zionism as ideological forces - Essay Example

The Manifest Destiny and the Zionist movement are two critical components that have literally dynamically impact the modern world. Both are considered to be ideological forces that are induced by nationalism and a quest to conquer. This paper will discuss some of these aspects and give the underlying reason of the hot pursuit of these ideologies.The belief or doctrine, held chiefly in the middle and latter part of the 19th century, that it was the destiny of the United States of America to expand its territory over the whole of North America and to extend and enhance its political, social, and economic influence.

The Manifest destiny was the pinnacle for America’s outward expansionism movement which was fueled by many factors. Between 1801 and 1861, exploration was encouraged as America underwent vast territorial expansion and settlement. Thus, westward migration was influenced by geography and economic opportunity. Prior to the Civil War, most industrialization in America was in the North; however, the equipment produced in the North had an impact on the farming society in the South. One of the most significant factors that contributed to the development expansion of the United States was the fertile land that was available in the South.

The large plantations in the south gave the rise to slave labor was the fertile farmland in the Midwest enabled United States to accomplish several things. First of all, the invention of Eli Whitney’s cotton gin initiated the rise to slave labor in the rich land that extended beyond from Carolina to Texas, which expanded the United States border. The fertile land gave boosted the American economy, which contributed to development of United States. Another key element that enabled USA to expand was the variety of minerals that were abundant westwards.

California In order to implement the notion of Manifest Destiny, the innovation of “white man’s burden” was heavily utilized. Clearly, it was the responsibility of America to tame these “savages” who were devil worshippers. However, the true cause of expansionism relied on many factors. The country was new and with the advent of industrialization, became a monster that was fueled by innovation, capital, and labor. The country wanted to dominate internationally and show the world the brute power of railroads it possessed.

The idea of the Manifest destiny also sprouted from racism in which the white race had to prevail itself as the dominant race. Since God had given the white race the elite title, it was upon the Americans to show the world their superiority and their gift of hierarchy. As the idea of Manifest Destiny embedded itself in American ideology, the Zionist movement has also shared similar characteristics that have caused many political ramifications internationally. Zionism is essentially a key movement that tends to reinforce the reestablishment and protection of the Jewish nation, which is knows as Israel.

Post World War II, the Europeans looked for solutions to the “Jewish problem” as the pursuit to collectively dispel all Jews became a critical issue,The movement was spearheaded by Theodor Herzl, who made it clear that the initiative was to establish a “national home for the Jewish people secured by public law’ has been keen in this effort. The roots of the conflict can be found during the 19th century, with a rise in national movements, including Zionism and Arab nationalism. The Jews in search for a united nation went back and migrated to “Land of Israel.

” This self-determination seemed as a catalyst for future problems One of the main conflicts that have been an interesting point of notice throughout history is the Palestine and Israel war. This topic is exclusively special as it combines history, modern day politics, culture and religious aspects. In essence, the Jews have been persecuted and pushed around for centuries and decades. The initiation of World War II unfortunately forced the Jews to be displaced all over the world. The downfall of Hitler in World War II was a turning point for the Jews, who found themselves in search of a nation.

The roots of the conflict can be found during the 19th century, with a rise in national movements, including Zionism and Arab nationalism. The Jews in search for a united nation went back and migrated to “Land of Israel.” This self-determination seemed as a catalyst for future problems. After the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, the region of Palestine was given to the Jews in the Balfour Declaration of 1917. The Arabs felt threatened to the mass migration of the Jews due to the fact that it risked a huge threat to their national identity.

Furthermore, Muslims and Jews have been the prime enemies of one another since the revelation of the Old Testament and the Quran. The Oslo Accords was a futile attempt by Clinton to establish negotiations from both sides as the Arab leader rejected the initiative and proposed no counter negotiations. Works CitedJohnston, C. (n.d.). Saudi Shiite protests simmer as Bahrain conflict rages | Reuters . Business & Financial News, Breaking US & International News | Reuters.com. Retrieved July 28, 2011, from http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/21/us-saudi-shiites-idUSTRE72K1H220110321Merk, F.

, & Merk, L. B. (1963).Manifest destiny and mission in American history: a reinterpretation([1st ed.). New York: Knopf.Graebner, N. A. (1968). Manifest destiny,. Indianapolis: Bobbs-Merrill.Gottheil, R. J. (1914). Zionism. Philadelphia: The Jewish Publication Society of America.