U.S territorial expansion

Definition

The process by which the United States acquired and expanded its territory through various means such as purchases, treaties, and annexations.

Related terms

Manifest Destiny: The belief that it was America's destiny and right to expand its territory from coast to coast.

Louisiana Purchase: The acquisition of a vast amount of land from France in 1803, doubling the size of the United States.

Mexican-American War: A conflict between the United States and Mexico (1846-1848) that resulted in significant territorial gains for the U.S., including California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Colorado, and Wyoming.