America's Foreign Policy Practice Exam 2025 – Comprehensive Test Prep

The term closely associated with expansionist ideals is Manifest Destiny. This concept originated in the 19th century and encapsulated the belief that the expansion of the United States across the American continent was both justified and inevitable. Proponents of Manifest Destiny viewed territorial growth as a divinely ordained right and felt it was the nation's duty to spread democracy and capitalism across the continent and eventually beyond.

Manifest Destiny not only justified westward expansion but also intertwined with notions of exceptionalism, the idea that the United States had a unique role in the world. This mindset laid the groundwork for various foreign policy actions, including territorial acquisitions and interventions, helping to shape the U.S. identity as a global power.

In contrast, the other terms present different viewpoints. Internationalism emphasizes collaboration among nations, particularly during the 20th century, but does not inherently advocate for expansionist policies. Isolationism, on the other hand, represents a reluctance to engage in foreign entanglements or expansion, focusing instead on domestic issues. Globalization refers to the interconnectedness of economies and cultures on a global scale, which can lead to expansion of influence but does not directly convey the idea of territorial or imperial expansion as Manifest Destiny does.