Friday, March 21, 2014

How does O'Sullivan describe the future realm of the U.S.?

John L. O'Sullivan is largely credited with coining the
term "Manifest Destiny.O'Sullivan, editor of The Democratic Review
and ardent supporter of the Democratic Party supported the annexation of Oregon and
Texas territory in an article in which he stated:


readability="6">

Our manifest destiny is to overspread the
continent allotted by Providence for the free development of our yearly multiplying
millions.



In a second
article, published on December 27, 1845, he wrote:


readability="7">

And that claim is by the right of our manifest
destiny to overspread and to possess the whole of the continent which Providence has
given us for the development of the great experiment of liberty and federated
self-government entrusted to
us.



To O'Sullivan, God had
given the whole of North America to the American people as something of a "promised
land," in return for which they were responsible for spreading Republican style
democracy. O'Sullivan saw the destiny of the United States as something of a moral, or
"higher law;" so much so that it transcended International Law. Even so, O'Sullivan did
not support military intervention. He believed that since this was the manifest destiny
of the people of the United States, it would happen inevitably with the immigration of
Anglo-Saxon Americans to other areas--the culture would follow the people.
Interestingly, he opposed the Mexican War, although he later stated that the result was
beneficial to both the U.S. and Mexico.

No comments:

Post a Comment

What accomplishments did Bill Clinton have as president?

Of course, Bill Clinton's presidency will be most clearly remembered for the fact that he was only the second president ever...