In the early 1840s, the concept of Manifest Destiny profoundly shaped U.S. policy and public perception regarding territorial expansion. This expanding ideology not only justified the annexation of territories but also reflected the beliefs and sentiments of various groups within American society. Significant events such as the Texas annexation and the Oregon Trail migration serve as key examples of this doctrine in action. As tensions grew with neighboring nations, intellectuals and politicians began to frame these expansions as a moral imperative, asserting that it was the nation's destiny to spread democracy and civilization. Each of the following options describes a potential impact or consequence of Manifest Destiny during this era. Which of the following most accurately reflects a significant consequence of Manifest Destiny between 1840 and 1850?