What does dark and light imply in the manifest destiny painting?

In manifest destiny paintings, dark and light often symbolize the ideological struggle between civilization and savagery, reflecting the belief in American exceptionalism. Light typically represents progress, enlightenment, and the spread of democracy, while dark areas may imply the perceived barbarism of Indigenous peoples and the untamed nature that settlers sought to conquer. This contrast enhances the narrative of manifest destiny as a divine mission, underscoring the moral justification for westward expansion. Overall, the interplay of light and dark visually reinforces the themes of hope, progress, and conflict inherent in the expansionist ideology.