What belief fueled American support for overseas expansion besides economic motives?

The belief that fueled American support for overseas expansion, particularly the idea that the nation was destined to spread its civilization, aligns closely with the concept of Manifest Destiny. This ideology suggested that it was the United States' divine providence and moral obligation to expand its values, culture, and way of life to other parts of the world, which was often framed in terms of providing civilization, democracy, and advancement to "lesser" societies.

Proponents of this belief argued that American institutions, such as democracy and capitalism, were superior and should be shared globally, thereby justifying interventions and expansionist policies. This mindset not only legitimized American imperialism but also fostered a sense of national pride and purpose, making it a powerful motivator for supporters of overseas expansion during this period.

By focusing on the perceived duty of the United States to uplift other nations, this belief diminished the ethical concerns regarding imperialistic actions and reinforced the narrative that expansion was both beneficial and necessary.