Manifest Destiny Primary Source Analysis This painting, American Progress by John Gast, shows the spirit of manifest destiny leading settlers westward. Instructions: Identify three elements (items/things found within the painting) of the painting and explain how they relate to the effects of manifest destiny. Element within the painting How it relates to the effects manifest destiny in America Ex. Buffalo Ex. The painting shows buffalo running west into the dark. As American frontiersman moved westward they began to settle on land that was open to wild animals, like the buffalo, forcing them to leave.