What does the term "manifest destiny," coined by John O'Sulivan, refer to?

The term "manifest destiny," coined by journalist John O'Sullivan in the 1840s, refers to the belief that the expansion of the United States across the North American continent was both justified and inevitable, often framed as a divine right or fate. This ideology was rooted in a sense of American exceptionalism and the idea that the nation was destined to spread democracy and capitalism across the continent, ultimately reaching the Pacific Ocean.

The correct answer highlights this belief in American expansionism as a manifest outcome of a higher purpose or calling, emphasizing the religious and moral undertones that were often associated with the idea. This context is significant as it reflects the mindset of many Americans during that era who saw the westward expansion not merely as a geographical or political move but as a historic mission sanctioned by a higher power.

Other options reflect different historical themes, such as economic growth or urban industrialization, but do not encapsulate the essence of "manifest destiny" as a driving philosophy behind westward expansion.