American Progress

In the 1800's, the idea of Manifest Destiny was created to encourage the westward expansion of America. Many people believed that what was best for the world was the spread of American ideals and institutions. There was widespread belief that America was divinely blessed and had the obligation to spread democracy. This painting, "American Progress," by John Gast is an allegorical representation of Manifest Destiny and the views that Americans had at the time.
This romantic image of westernization is primarily expressed through the big, angelic woman dressed in white. She reminds me of Lady Liberty, and this is maybe what Gast was aiming for. Lady Liberty is leading Americans across the country, spreading freedom and democracy across North America. She is bringing light to the dark world of the savage Indians. The light she is spreading is American culture. She is bringing advancements like electricity (as seen by the power lines) and formal education (schoolbook in her hand) to the uncivilized west. This is the romanticized version of the events that occurred in the mid-1800's.
The wagons and stagecoaches have always held a certain romantic value in American society. They express the spirit of adventure, of being a pioneer. The idea of adventure is generally appealing to Americans, and by including these images, the painter knows that it they will strike a positive note with viewers of the painting. Another romantic symbol in the painting is the plow being pulled by the oxen. The idea of farming and rural life is classic American ideal. All of these images add up to give the viewer a positive view of Manifest Destiny, and therefore of the imperialism it fostered.
The concept of Manifest Destiny was used to show Americans only the benefits that expansion would bring to themselves and to others that they will "help." Americans thought it was their divine duty to bring their advanced culture to everyone else, including those that did not want. By romanticizing their own culture they rationalized continental expansion, which is exactly what the democratic-republicans in power wanted. The Polk administration (1845-1849) was responsible for much expansion, including the annexation of Texas, part of the Oregon Territory, and much of the current southwest United States. The administration needed a way to convince citizens of the validity of the expansion, especially that which came from the Mexican-American War. By creating the romantic concept of Manifest Destiny, the Polk administration succeeded in making the idea of imperialism sound acceptable, even morally responsible.