Question

in the 1840s, westward expansion was justified by a belief in
cultural pluralism
manifest destiny
popular sovereignty
laissez - faire

Explanation:

• Cultural pluralism refers to coexisting distinct cultures, not expansion justification.
• Manifest Destiny was the 1840s ideology claiming U.S. westward expansion was divinely ordained and inevitable.
• Popular sovereignty let territories choose slavery status, not an expansion justification.
• Laissez-faire is an economic policy of minimal government intervention, unrelated to expansion.

Answer:

B. Manifest Destiny