Manifest Destiny

Manifest Destiny was a 19th-century belief that the expansion of the United States across North America was justified and inevitable. Many Americans believed it was their divine right and duty to spread democracy and civilization westward, from the Atlantic to the Pacific. This idea fueled westward expansion, the annexation of territories like Texas, and conflicts with Native Americans and other nations, such as Mexico. Ultimately, Manifest Destiny played a significant role in shaping U.S. history, influencing its borders and policies, while also raising important moral and ethical questions about colonization and its impact on indigenous peoples.