Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) Subject Area Practice Test

Which of the following best describes a major concept of Manifest Destiny?

1. Financial expansion of agricultural goods

2. Divine right to expand the nation across North America

3. Military conquest of territories

4. Diplomatic relations with indigenous peoples

The correct answer is: Divine right to expand the nation across North America

The concept of Manifest Destiny is rooted in the 19th-century belief that the expansion of the United States across the American continents was both justified and inevitable. This idea was often framed in terms of a divine right, suggesting that it was America's destiny to spread democracy and civilization across the continent. Proponents of this belief viewed territorial expansion as a noble mission ordained by a higher power. This notion goes beyond merely financial or military reasons, focusing instead on a moral or spiritual imperative that drove expansionist policies. While elements of military conquest and diplomatic relations with indigenous peoples occurred during this period, they do not encapsulate the overarching philosophical justification that Manifest Destiny provided for territorial growth. Thus, the statement emphasizing a divine right accurately reflects the central idea of Manifest Destiny and its justification for expansion across North America.