U.S territories

Definition

U.S territories refers to the regions or areas that are under the control and governance of the United States, but are not yet considered full-fledged states. These territories may have limited self-governance and representation in the federal government.

Related terms

Statehood: The process through which a territory becomes an official state of the United States with full representation in Congress.

Annexation: The act of incorporating a territory into an existing country or state. In the context of U.S history, it often refers to adding new land to U.S territories.

Manifest Destiny: The belief popularized in 19th-century America that it was inevitable and justifiable for the United States to expand its territory from coast to coast.