Which statement best describes the concept of Manifest Destiny as it was understood in the nineteenth century? a. Americans had a divine duty to distinguish themselves from Europe. b. Americans had a divine right to possess the world’s greatest empire c. Americans increasingly felt compelled to fulfill their “Manifest Destiny,” a phrase that came to mean that they were expected to spread across the land given to them by God and, most importantly, spread predominantly American values to the frontier.

The correct answer is C. Americans increasingly felt compelled to fulfill their “Manifest Destiny,” a phrase that came to mean that they were expected to spread across the land given to them by God and, most importantly, spread predominantly American values to the frontier.

The question addresses the concept of Manifest Destiny, which was a significant belief in the nineteenth century that justified the expansion of the United States across the North American continent. This ideology was rooted in the idea that Americans were destined to spread their values and institutions across the land.

Here are further explanations.

• Option A: Americans had a divine duty. While there was a sense of duty, this option does not fully capture the expansionist nature of Manifest Destiny, which emphasized territorial growth rather than merely distinguishing from Europe.

• Option B: Americans had a divine right. This option suggests a broader imperialistic view, but it lacks the specific focus on American values and the frontier that characterized the concept of Manifest Destiny.

• Option C: Americans increasingly felt compelled. This statement accurately reflects the essence of Manifest Destiny, emphasizing the belief that Americans were expected to expand across the continent and promote their values, which was a core aspect of the ideology.