What was the primary motivation behind Manifest Destiny?

The primary motivation behind Manifest Destiny was the belief in a divine mission, which reflected a deeply rooted cultural and spiritual justification for westward expansion. This ideology posited that Americans were destined by God to spread democracy and civilization across the North American continent. This belief was intertwined with notions of exceptionalism, suggesting that the United States had a unique role in the world.

The conviction in a divine mandate not only encouraged settlers to move westward but also provided a justification for displacing Native American populations and other non-European groups. The sense of moral obligation and divine purpose resonated with many Americans during the 19th century, propelling the nation towards expansionist policies and actions, such as the annexation of Texas and the acquisition of territories through treaties and conflict.

While economic growth, global power, and agricultural expansion were certainly significant factors in the overall push for expansion, they were often framed within the context of this overarching belief in a divine mission. Thus, the belief in a divine mission stands out as the most compelling motivator behind the concept of Manifest Destiny.