Final answer:
Manifest Destiny was the belief that the United States had a divine destiny to spread democratic institutions across North America. John Gast's painting American Progress depicted this idea by showing a symbolically-clad America floating westward, carrying a school book and telegraph wires. The painting also depicted the displacement of Native Americans and wildlife.
Step-by-step explanation:
Manifest Destiny was a concept that emerged in the 1840s and justified American expansion across the continent of North America. It was the belief that the United States had a divine destiny to spread democratic institutions from coast to coast. John Gast's painting American Progress depicted this idea by showing a symbolically-clad America floating westward, carrying a school book symbolizing enlightenment and telegraph wires representing communication and progress. The painting also showed Native Americans and wildlife fleeing, suggesting the displacement and subjugation of indigenous peoples as a result of Manifest Destiny.