What was the main ideology behind Manifest Destiny?

The main ideology behind Manifest Destiny is rooted in the belief that the United States was destined to expand its territory across North America. This conviction was based on a combination of nationalism and the perception of American exceptionalism, where many Americans felt they had a divine right to spread democratic governance and civilization across the continent. Manifest Destiny was not just about territorial acquisition; it was also about the idea that this expansion was beneficial for both the U.S. and the lands being acquired, which were often inhabited by Indigenous peoples and other nations. This ideology played a significant role in events such as the westward migration, the annexation of Texas, and conflicts like the Mexican-American War, all fueled by the desire to push the nation's borders from coast to coast.