GED Social Studies TestU.S. HistoryEasy
During the early 19th century, the concept of Manifest Destiny most directly contributed to which of the following?
- AThe establishment of a permanent alliance with Great Britain.
- BIncreased diplomatic ties with Native American nations.
- CThe abolition of slavery in all U.S. territories.
- DThe expansion of U.S. territory westward to the Pacific Ocean.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. The expansion of U.S. territory westward to the Pacific Ocean.
Manifest Destiny was the widely held belief in the 19th century United States that American settlers were destined to expand across North America. This ideology directly fueled and justified the territorial expansion of the U.S. to the Pacific.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Manifest Destiny was about internal U.S. expansion, not foreign alliances, especially not with former rival Great Britain.
- B. Manifest Destiny often led to conflict and displacement of Native American nations, rather than increased diplomatic ties.
- C. Manifest Destiny was unrelated to the abolition of slavery; in fact, westward expansion often intensified debates over whether new territories would be free or slave states.
Manifest Destiny
The 19th-century belief that the expansion of the US throughout the American continents was both justified and inevitable.
- Coined by journalist John L. O'Sullivan in 1845.
- Used to justify territorial acquisitions like the Oregon Territory and Mexican Cession.
- Often involved the displacement of Native American populations.
Memory trick: Destiny's call, expanded it all.