Manifest Destiny Painting

In the painting, "American Progress", an angel is seen floating over a flat green American country-side. The Caucasian angel is meant to represent the American dream and right to explore. Heavenly approval and help was what most people thought of as a good sign. If their god was behind the move, then it would all be alright. The flat, open fields of this new territory would be perfect for potential farming. In the light of the angel, trains, plows, farmers, telephone wires, and settler wagons follow. In front of the angel is a darker more wild scene. Natives and animals fleeing is a promising sight to any white American settlers. Both were major threats to Western bound men and women plowing into the unknown.