Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) Caribbean History Practice Exam 2025 – Complete All-in-One Guide for Exam Success!

The idea of Manifest Destiny, which centered on the belief that the expansion of the United States across the American continents was both justified and inevitable, is primarily associated with the ideological framework established by key figures prior to its formal naming. Thomas Jefferson's vision for the United States included the expansion of its territory and influence, which was evident through his support for territorial acquisitions such as the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. This act not only doubled the size of the United States but also reflected Jefferson's belief in the nation's mission to spread democracy and republicanism across the continent.

Although the term "Manifest Destiny" was coined later in the 1840s during the presidency of James K. Polk, Jefferson's earlier ideas established the foundational belief in the destiny of the U.S. to expand westward and fulfill its perceived role as a model of democracy and civilization. This philosophical underpinning inspired later leaders and justified territorial expansion wars and policies, aligning closely with the sentiments that would be crystallized into the Manifest Destiny doctrine.