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What was the main driving force behind Manifest Destiny?

Rae Longmire

The main driving force behind Manifest Destiny was the belief that it was God's plan for Americans to expand their territory and spread their way of life. People thought that the land belonged to them and they had the right to settle it. They felt that it was their duty to bring civilization to the wild West and spread democracy across the continent.

Many Americans also wanted to expand their trade and commerce. By taking over new territories, they would have access to more resources and markets. They believed that expanding their boundaries would make them stronger and more prosperous.

Some Americans were also motivated by a sense of adventure. They wanted to explore new lands and challenge themselves in the wilderness. They saw the West as a place of opportunity and excitement.

Unfortunately, the idea of Manifest Destiny also caused a lot of problems. Native American tribes were forced off their land and forced to move to reservations. This led to a lot of conflict and suffering. Some people also felt that Manifest Destiny was a justification for imperialism and aggression towards other nations.

Overall, Manifest Destiny was a complicated and controversial idea. While it brought some benefits to America, it also caused a lot of harm to many people. It's important to recognize both the good and bad aspects of this historical era and learn from it moving forward.