What does the term "Manifest Destiny" refer to?

The term "Manifest Destiny" refers to the 19th-century belief that Americans were destined to expand across North America. This idea was rooted in a sense of American exceptionalism and the notion that the United States had a mission to spread democracy and civilization across the continent. Advocates of Manifest Destiny believed that this expansion was both justified and inevitable, often viewing it as a divine right. This belief significantly influenced U.S. policy during the 1800s, leading to the annexation of territories such as Texas and the Oregon Trail migration, as well as conflicts such as the Mexican-American War.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately capture the essence of Manifest Destiny. The belief in international cooperation does not pertain to territorial expansion. Advocacy for the abolition of slavery revolves around social justice issues rather than the geographical and political ambitions associated with Manifest Destiny. Finally, promoting Native American rights is a separate matter, as the expansion driven by Manifest Destiny often resulted in the displacement and hardship of Native American populations. Thus, C precisely encapsulates the essence of the term.