What does the term "manifest destiny" refer to in American history?

The term "manifest destiny" refers to the belief that it was the ordained mission of the United States to expand its territory across the North American continent, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. This ideology emerged in the 19th century and was driven by a mix of national pride, a sense of cultural superiority, and the belief that expansion was both justified and inevitable. Proponents of manifest destiny believed it was the nation's destiny to spread democracy and capitalism, and this belief played a significant role in events such as the westward expansion, the annexation of Texas, and conflicts with Native American tribes and foreign powers, such as the Mexican-American War. The idea of manifest destiny had far-reaching implications for the nation's development and its relations with neighboring territories.