What concept suggests that the United States was destined to expand across North America?

The concept that suggests the United States was destined to expand across North America is known as Manifest Destiny. This idea emerged in the 19th century and expressed the belief that Americans were divinely ordained to expand their territory and spread their democratic institutions across the continent. Proponents of Manifest Destiny argued that it was both a right and a duty to expand, viewing this expansion as a means to promote civilization and progress.

Manifest Destiny played a significant role in shaping American policy and attitudes during this period, influencing events such as the annexation of Texas, the Oregon Trail migration, and the acquisition of territories following the Mexican-American War. This belief in destiny was rooted in a combination of nationalism, a sense of superiority, and the desire for economic opportunities, which drove settlers to claim new lands and ultimately shaped the geography and culture of the United States.

In contrast, American Exceptionalism refers to the idea that the United States has a unique mission to spread democracy and freedom in a way that distinguishes it from other nations. Destiny of Liberty is not a widely recognized term in historical discourse, and Colonial Expansion more broadly refers to the expansion of European powers and their colonies, which is a different context from the specific doctrine of Manifest Destiny.