According to Jacksonian Democrats, what was justified by Manifest Destiny?
A.
extending suffrage to all male US citizens
B.
imposing high tariffs to reduce international trade
C.
appointing party loyalists to government jobs
D.
expanding US borders into American Indian territory
D. expanding US borders into American Indian territory
To determine which option was justified by Manifest Destiny according to Jacksonian Democrats, we should understand the concept of Manifest Destiny first. Manifest Destiny was an ideology prevalent in the 19th century in the United States that asserted the divine right and obligation of American settlers to expand across North America. It was driven by the belief that it was the destiny of the United States to occupy and control the continent.
Now, let's analyze each option:
A. Extending suffrage to all male US citizens: While Jacksonian Democrats did advocate for the expansion of suffrage to more (but not all) white male US citizens, it was not explicitly justified by Manifest Destiny. So, option A is not the correct answer.
B. Imposing high tariffs to reduce international trade: The Jacksonian Democrats strongly opposed high tariffs as it benefitted the industrial Northeast but harmed the agrarian South and West. Therefore, option B is not the correct answer.
C. Appointing party loyalists to government jobs: While Jacksonian Democrats did practice the spoils system, which involved appointing loyal party members to government positions, it was not directly linked to the concept of Manifest Destiny. So, option C is not the correct answer.
D. Expanding US borders into American Indian territory: This option aligns with the concept of Manifest Destiny. Jacksonian Democrats supported westward expansion and the annexation of new territories, often at the expense of native tribes. So, option D is the correct answer.
Therefore, according to Jacksonian Democrats, expanding US borders into American Indian territory was justified by Manifest Destiny.