Both the
primary source readings show an evolution toward American colonialism as a
natural and healthy extension of the Nation.
Relying, at first, on ideas of providence to justify an American sense
of exceptionalism new forms of “science” like social Darwinism further provide
proof to justify a unique place for America in the world.
Dr. McCullough
explains the process American Clergy went through from preaching caution and
restraint to supporting military intervention.
The transition seen in the Clergy provides a microcosm of the improved
ways America was presenting its new role in the world and its growing
perception of war as policy. Speaking to
this evolution my favourite quote in the readings is from Our Country on page 210, “the world’s history thus far has been
simply prepatory for our (Anglo-Saxon and specifically American) future, and
tributary to it”. In theory all of
history has led to each subsequent moment.
Therefore, is each war the most important in history? Does each conflict better represent all of
American ideals and principals? Does
each conflict create/require a new justification for war?
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