Which of the following best defines the term "manifest destiny" in American history?

The term "manifest destiny" refers to the 19th-century belief that the expansion of the United States across the American continent was both justified and inevitable, often framed as a divine right ordained by God. This ideology was rooted in a sense of mission and entitlement, where many Americans felt it was their destiny to spread democracy and capitalism across North America, often at the expense of native populations and other nations. This belief fueled a significant push for westward expansion, leading to territorial acquisitions such as the Louisiana Purchase, the annexation of Texas, and the Oregon Trail migration.

While concepts like racial superiority and imperialism may have been associated with actions taken during this period, they do not capture the core essence of "manifest destiny." Additionally, the notion of limited government does not relate to the expansionist motives that characterized this philosophy. Thus, the belief that westward expansion was a divine right encapsulates the driving force behind many historical events in the U.S. during the 1800s, making it the most accurate definition of "manifest destiny."