What did the term "Manifest Destiny" imply?

The term "Manifest Destiny" refers to the belief that it was both justified and inevitable for the United States to expand its territory across the North American continent. This ideology emerged in the 19th century and was rooted in a sense of American exceptionalism, suggesting that the U.S. had a divine mandate to spread democracy and capitalism across the continent. The concept fueled westward expansion, prompting actions such as the annexation of Texas, the Oregan Trail migration, and the acquisition of territories following the Mexican-American War. It encapsulated the spirit of the time, reflecting both a practical pursuit for land and a more profound conviction about the nation’s purpose in spreading its values and institutions.