Which document proposed a plan to acquire Cuba from Spain?

• A. Ex Parte Merryman
• B. Ostend Manifesto
• C. Dred Scott Decision
• D. 14th Amendment

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is expansionist foreign policy in the mid-1800s. The document that proposed a plan to acquire Cuba from Spain is the Ostend Manifesto. In 1854, American diplomats in Europe suggested offering Spain money for Cuba and, if that failed, justifying an acquisition by force. This reflects the era’s willingness to consider expanding U.S. territory for strategic and economic reasons, though the plan sparked significant controversy and never became policy. Other listed items involve unrelated topics—Ex Parte Merryman deals with habeas corpus during the Civil War; the Dred Scott Decision concerns citizenship and slavery; the 14th Amendment addresses citizenship and equal protection.