What is manifest destiny?

Manifest Destiny refers to the 19th-century doctrine or belief in the United States that its settlers were destined to expand across North America. This idea emerged in an era when many Americans believed that their nation was on a mission to spread democracy and capitalism, leading to territorial expansion justified by divine providence or the perceived superiority of American culture.

The concept implies that such expansion was both justified and inevitable. Proponents argued that it was the duty of the United States to spread its democratic ideals and institutions across the continent, a belief that played a significant role in shaping U.S. policies and actions, including the annexation of territories such as Texas and the forced removal of Native American tribes.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of manifest destiny. The notion of military conquest, while sometimes a tool used in the context of expansion, does not encompass the broader philosophical and cultural motivations associated with manifest destiny. Economic growth influencing territorial control relates to economic imperialism and capitalism but misses the ideological and cultural dimensions of manifest destiny. Lastly, advocating for peace does not align with the aggressive pursuit of territory that characterized the belief in manifest destiny, which often involved conflict and conquest.