What did the term "Manifest Destiny" refer to?

The term "Manifest Destiny" refers to the belief that the expansion of the United States across the North American continent was both justified and inevitable. This ideology emerged in the 19th century and was used to rationalize westward expansion. Proponents believed that it was the nation's destiny, even divinely ordained, to expand its territory and influence from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. This belief played a significant role in various historical events, including the annexation of Texas, the Oregon Trail migration, and the Mexican-American War, which were all seen as steps toward fulfilling this destiny.

Understanding this concept is crucial because it highlights the mindset that fueled American expansionism during the period and illustrates how the belief in Manifest Destiny affected U.S. policies and relationships with Native American tribes and other countries. The notion was often tied to ideas of nationalism and exceptionalism, reinforcing the idea that American democracy and culture were superior and should be spread.

The other choices do not accurately capture the essence of Manifest Destiny. For instance, while the first option touches on the idea of spreading democracy, it does not reflect the specific territorial expansion implied by Manifest Destiny. Isolationism and military intervention, as mentioned in the other options, do not relate to the core idea of Manifest Destiny,