What is a reason that Americans were in favor of expansion in the 1800s?

It was the government’s constitutional duty.

Assimilation to American culture was necessary.

If the United States did not conquer lands, the Europeans would.

1 answer

A reason that many Americans were in favor of expansion in the 1800s is that they believed it was the government’s constitutional duty. This belief was often framed within the context of "Manifest Destiny," the idea that the United States was destined to expand across the continent. Many Americans felt it was not only their right but also their responsibility to spread democracy and American values throughout North America. This ideology contributed significantly to the push for territorial expansion during this era.