U.S. Citizenship Civics Test1800sEasy
The concept of 'Manifest Destiny,' prevalent in the 1800s, primarily justified which of the following actions by the United States?
- AThe establishment of a nationwide public education system.
- BThe abolition of slavery in all states.
- CThe territorial expansion across the North American continent.
- DThe development of strong diplomatic ties with European powers.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. The territorial expansion across the North American continent.
Manifest Destiny was the 19th-century belief that the expansion of the United States across the North American continent was both justified and inevitable, often seen as a divinely ordained mission.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Public education was a reform movement, not directly tied to Manifest Destiny.
- B. Abolition of slavery was a separate social movement.
- D. Diplomatic ties were important but not the primary focus of Manifest Destiny.
Manifest Destiny
A 19th-century belief that the United States was destined by God to expand its dominion and spread democracy and capitalism across the North American continent.
- Coined in 1845 by journalist John O'Sullivan.
- Justified westward expansion and acquisition of new territories.
- Contributed to conflicts with Native Americans and Mexico.
- Influenced policies like the Mexican-American War and Oregon Territory acquisition.
Memory trick: Destined to expand from sea to shining sea.