In the minds of most Americans of European descent in the early nineteenth century, the West
A) was an uninhabitable wilderness.
B) represented a place where they could own land and achieve economic independence.
C) consisted of a hodge-podge of cultures that could never be assimilated into the nation.
D) was a peaceful and idyllic area.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The idea of Manifest Destiny was a prevalent belief among Americans of European descent in the early nineteenth century, which held that it was their God-given right and duty to expand westward and settle the continent. For many, this represented an opportunity to own their own land and achieve economic independence, which was often not possible in the more crowded and established eastern states. Therefore, the West was not seen as an uninhabitable wilderness, but rather as a land of promise and opportunity.

In the Minds of Most Americans of European Descent in the Early