Manifest Destiny, the 19th-century belief in the divinely ordained expansion of the United States across the North American continent, is intrinsically woven into the fabric of the Western film genre. Westerns, even when seemingly just telling a story of cowboys and Indians, frequently engage with the complex and often contradictory implications of this nationalistic ideology, showcasing both its perceived triumphs and its devastating consequences.
The Ideology on the Frontier: Manifest Destiny in Context
Western films, emerging in the early 20th century, coincided with a period when the narrative of westward expansion was still largely unchallenged. The frontier myth – the idea of the West as a space of rugged individualism, opportunity, and progress – was deeply ingrained in American consciousness. This myth, in turn, was fueled by and helped to legitimize the tenets of Manifest Destiny.
However, it’s crucial to understand that Westerns don’t simply celebrate Manifest Destiny. They often serve as a critical lens, examining its impact on Native American populations, the environment, and the very definition of American identity. The genre, in its most nuanced forms, acknowledges the human cost of progress, exposing the violence, displacement, and moral compromises inherent in the pursuit of national expansion.
Understanding the Nuances: Beyond Simple Endorsement
While early Westerns often portrayed Native Americans as savage obstacles to progress, later films began to offer more complex and sympathetic portrayals, challenging the inherent racism of the Manifest Destiny narrative. Films like Little Big Man (1970) and Dances with Wolves (1990) directly confront the brutal reality of the Indian Wars and the devastating impact of westward expansion on Native American culture and autonomy.
Furthermore, the theme of environmental exploitation, a direct consequence of the drive for resource extraction associated with Manifest Destiny, also appears frequently. The relentless pursuit of gold, land, and timber often leads to environmental degradation, a critique echoed in films exploring the darker side of industrial expansion in the West.
FAQs: Decoding Manifest Destiny in Western Films
Here are some frequently asked questions exploring the complex relationship between Manifest Destiny and the Western film genre:
1. How did the concept of Manifest Destiny influence the depiction of Native Americans in early Westerns?
Early Westerns frequently portrayed Native Americans as hostile, uncivilized obstacles to westward expansion. This portrayal justified the displacement and even extermination of Native American populations, aligning directly with the belief that white Americans were destined to dominate the continent. They were often depicted as lacking the capacity for self-governance or understanding the value of the land, thus legitimizing their dispossession under the banner of progress. The “savage Indian” trope served as a convenient justification for violence and land seizure.
2. What are some examples of Westerns that challenge the traditional narrative of Manifest Destiny?
Films like Little Big Man, Dances with Wolves, Soldier Blue (1970), and The Searchers (1956, though complex in its treatment) challenge the traditional narrative by presenting Native American perspectives, exposing the brutality of the Indian Wars, and questioning the moral justification for westward expansion. These films often depict the human cost of progress and the inherent injustice of displacing indigenous populations. The Searchers, while focusing on a white protagonist, subtly reveals the dehumanizing impact of racial hatred and the destructive consequences of unrelenting pursuit of revenge fueled by the frontier mentality.
3. In what ways does the “frontier” setting in Westerns contribute to the themes of Manifest Destiny?
The frontier setting serves as a stage for the enactment of Manifest Destiny. It represents a space ripe for the taking, a blank slate upon which white settlers can build a new civilization. The perceived emptiness of the frontier, often ignoring the pre-existing presence of Native American communities, reinforces the idea that it is destined to be occupied and developed by Americans. The frontier becomes synonymous with opportunity, progress, and the fulfillment of a divinely ordained mission.
4. How is the theme of violence connected to Manifest Destiny in Western films?
Violence is a recurring theme in Westerns because it was an inherent part of the process of westward expansion. The displacement of Native Americans, the suppression of resistance, and the struggle for resources often involved violence. Westerns often portray this violence, sometimes glorifying it, but also sometimes critiquing its brutal and dehumanizing effects. The “gunfighter” archetype, common in Westerns, embodies this violence and its connection to the assertion of control over the frontier.
5. Beyond Native Americans, who else was negatively impacted by Manifest Destiny, as portrayed in Western films?
Besides Native Americans, other groups negatively impacted by Manifest Destiny as portrayed in Western films include Mexican populations, who lost land and autonomy following the Mexican-American War; Chinese immigrants, who faced discrimination and exploitation while contributing significantly to infrastructure projects like the railroads; and even some white settlers who fell victim to the harsh conditions and the relentless pursuit of wealth that defined the era. The dark side of the American Dream, manifested in greed and exploitation, is often explored in these depictions.
6. How do Westerns depict the role of technology in the expansion associated with Manifest Destiny?
Technology, particularly railroads, firearms, and agricultural machinery, plays a significant role in facilitating westward expansion in Westerns. Railroads are often portrayed as symbols of progress, connecting the East and West and enabling the transportation of goods and people. Firearms provide settlers with the means to defend themselves and conquer the land. However, the films also sometimes show the destructive potential of technology, particularly in the hands of those who prioritize profit over human lives or environmental sustainability.
7. How do individual characters in Westerns embody or reject the ideals of Manifest Destiny?
Some characters, like ambitious ranchers or railroad tycoons, actively promote the ideals of Manifest Destiny, driven by a desire for wealth, power, or national glory. Others, like disillusioned soldiers, Native American leaders, or even some outlaws, reject these ideals, recognizing their inherent injustice or questioning the moral compromises they entail. These characters often serve as moral compasses, challenging the audience to consider the complexities of westward expansion.
8. What is the significance of the “Western hero” archetype in relation to Manifest Destiny?
The “Western hero” is a complex figure who often embodies both the positive and negative aspects of Manifest Destiny. He may be a rugged individualist who brings order to the frontier, but he may also be complicit in the displacement and violence associated with westward expansion. The hero’s internal struggles often reflect the moral ambiguities inherent in the pursuit of national ambition. He is often a figure caught between civilization and savagery, embodying the tension at the heart of the Manifest Destiny narrative.
9. How have Westerns evolved in their portrayal of Manifest Destiny over time?
Early Westerns tended to romanticize westward expansion, often presenting a simplistic and idealized view of the frontier. However, as social attitudes changed, later Westerns began to offer more critical and nuanced portrayals, acknowledging the negative consequences of Manifest Destiny and presenting alternative perspectives. This evolution reflects a growing awareness of the historical injustices perpetrated in the name of progress and national expansion.
10. What are some common visual motifs used in Westerns to convey the themes of Manifest Destiny?
Common visual motifs include vast landscapes that emphasize the scale of the frontier and the potential for expansion; trains and wagon trains symbolizing progress and the movement of settlers westward; fences and settlements representing the taming of the wilderness; and clashes between settlers and Native Americans, visually depicting the conflict over land and resources. Sunsets, often signifying the end of an era, can also symbolize the end of the frontier and the closing of the West.
11. Can Westerns still be relevant today in understanding contemporary issues related to land rights and environmental justice?
Yes, Westerns remain relevant because they explore timeless themes of land ownership, resource exploitation, and the relationship between humans and the environment. The historical injustices depicted in these films continue to resonate with contemporary issues of land rights, environmental racism, and the ongoing struggles of indigenous communities. Understanding the historical context of Manifest Destiny can provide valuable insights into these present-day challenges.
12. Beyond film, how can studying Westerns help us understand the broader cultural impact of Manifest Destiny?
Studying Westerns provides a window into the broader cultural impact of Manifest Destiny by revealing how the ideology shaped American identity, values, and narratives. The genre reflects and reinforces the myth of the frontier, the ideal of rugged individualism, and the belief in American exceptionalism. By analyzing the ways in which Westerns portray these themes, we can gain a deeper understanding of how Manifest Destiny continues to influence American society today. The genre provides valuable insight into the complex and often contradictory ways Americans have understood their history and their place in the world.