The 1854 Ostend Manifesto

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The 1854 Ostend Manifesto was a statement released by American diplomats, calling for the United States to acquire Cuba from Spain, either through negotiations or force. This was part of a larger effort to expand American territorial holdings and strengthen its position in the Western Hemisphere. The manifesto was controversial and drew criticism from abolitionists who feared it would lead to the spread of slavery. It did not anger Southern slave-owners, but rather, they supported the acquisition of Cuba as an opportunity to expand slavery.