What was the name of the plan that involved the South's intention to purchase Cuba from Spain to expand slavery?

The Ostend Manifesto was a document that reflected the expansionist desires of pro-slavery politicians in the United States during the mid-19th century. It was drafted in 1854 by American envoys in Europe, who discussed the idea of the U.S. purchasing Cuba from Spain. The underlying motivation for this acquisition was to augment the territory where slavery could be expanded, which was of significant concern for Southern slaveholders at the time.

The manifesto suggested that if Spain refused to sell Cuba, the U.S. would be justified in taking it by force. This aligns with the sentiments of many in the South who wanted to extend their way of life and were willing to pursue territorial acquisition to achieve that goal. The document caused significant controversy and backlash, particularly among Northern abolitionists and those opposed to the expansion of slavery.

In contrast, the other options refer to different historical events unrelated to the purchase of Cuba. The Gadsden Purchase involved acquiring land from Mexico for a railroad. The Kansas-Nebraska Act led to conflicts over whether new territories would allow slavery or not. The Missouri Compromise aimed to balance free and slave states in the early 19th century. These contexts illustrate why the Ostend Manifesto is recognized as the correct