How did manifest destiny affect democracy?

Answer 1

Manifest Destiny, the 19th-century belief that American expansion was both justified and inevitable, significantly influenced democracy by promoting the idea of American exceptionalism and the spread of democratic ideals. As the U.S. expanded westward, it often led to the displacement of Indigenous peoples and the addition of new territories, which raised complex questions about the extension of citizenship and rights. This expansion also intensified debates over slavery and statehood, ultimately contributing to divisions that resulted in the Civil War. Overall, while Manifest Destiny aimed to promote democracy, it often contradicted the principles of equality and justice for all.