Manifest Destiny
A belief in the 19th century US that its settlers were destined to expand across North America
Real World Example
Manifest Destiny was a powerful idea in the 1800s that suggested Americans were meant to expand westward across North America. It encouraged settlers to move west, leading to the growth of the nation as new territories and states were added. This belief was important because it fueled expansion but also led to conflicts with Native Americans and other countries. Today, the idea of Manifest Destiny reminds us of how beliefs can shape actions and policies, influencing society's growth and development. For example, the concept can relate to modern urban expansion where cities grow, impacting local communities and the environment, showing how ideas of growth and progress still affect our lives.