As change occurred in all Americans, social changes also occurred. Men saw land as a status symbol according to Harriet Martineau “The possession of land is the aim of all action… and the cure of all social ills, among men” (page 73). Men saw any reason to buy land as a way to make a stand and take pleasure in having their own property. Especially with the new middle class, the more land you had, the more important you felt. This contributed to the American character because land was so important during that time. There was always land to be gained and land was as much a status symbol as a means of livelihood. The women took pride in promoting Manifest Destiny because as a mother and wife they had an influence on the people around her. As women began to break out of the traditional role, they became involved outside the home. Without Manifest Destiny, women would not have pushed themselves to rise from the domestic role to which they were forced, thus influencing “American culture”.