What ideology supported the U.S. actions of extending its territories during the late 19th century?

The correct answer, Manifest Destiny, is a critical concept that explains the U.S. expansionist policies and territorial acquisitions during the late 19th century. Manifest Destiny was a widely held belief that American settlers were destined to expand across the North American continent. This ideology was rooted in the notion that the expansion of the United States was not only desirable but also divinely ordained, reflecting a sense of national mission and purpose.

During this period, the United States pursued actions such as the annexation of territories like Hawaii and the Philippines, motivated by a belief in the nation's exceptionalism and a perceived duty to spread democracy, civilization, and economic growth. Manifest Destiny encouraged Americans to see territorial expansion as a moral imperative, which justified the subjugation of indigenous peoples and the occupation of foreign lands.

In contrast, isolationism advocates for a non-involvement stance in international affairs, which does not align with the expansionist ventures of the late 19th century. Social Darwinism, which applied the concept of "survival of the fittest" to societies, influenced thoughts about competition among nations but did not singularly drive the expansionist ideology like Manifest Destiny. Collectivism, centered on communal ownership and the collective good, does not relate to the