What did manifest destiny mean to its American supporters how did the belief in manifest destiny influence US foreign policy?

Manifest Destiny was the 19th-century belief that the expansion of the United States across the American continents was both justified and inevitable. Supporters viewed it as a divine right and duty to spread democracy and civilization, leading to territorial expansion through annexation and conflict. This belief significantly influenced U.S. foreign policy by promoting aggressive expansionism, resulting in events like the Mexican-American War and the acquisition of territories such as California and Texas. Ultimately, it shaped the nation’s identity and its interactions with neighboring countries.