.8

Nationalism and Its Impact in the United States

  • Comparison of Power

    • States in the U.S. had less power compared to European governments.

    • Despite this, popular sentiment enforced a strong conformity in support of nationalism.

    • Newspapers and public schools were largely free from centralized control but frequently reflected a unified voice on national superiority and mission.

    • The McGuffey Reader, a widely used educational text, embodied nationalist sentiment.

Manifest Destiny

  • Definition: Manifest Destiny was the belief that the United States was destined to expand across the continent by divine mandate to spread democracy.

  • Historical Context:

    • This ideology justified the Mexican War, which led to the U.S. acquiring over 500,000 square miles of territory from Mexico.

    • Many Americans rationalized using force to promote democracy, prioritizing this divine mission over other moral concerns.

    • The contentious issue of slavery between the North and South halted further expansion attempts into Latin America and Canada during the 1850s.

  • Cultural Reflection:

    • Ralph Waldo Emerson, despite critiquing the Mexican War, echoed nationalist sentiments, remarking on the divine purpose behind American history.

    • Emerson, in his 1837 Phi Beta Kappa address at Harvard titled "The American Scholar," called for the abandonment of European cultural ties in favor of a distinctly American literature.

    • Walt Whitman proclaimed that American poetry looks forward to the potential of future generations rather than backwards to the past.

  • National Identity:

    • Joseph Smith advanced American nationalism by positing that the Garden of Eden was located in America, and that Noah’s lineage was brought to the Middle East by divine flood.

    • Historians began establishing national histories that romanticized the narratives of great men who fulfilled America’s divine mission.

Civil War and Southern Nationalism

  • Impact of Civil War:

    • The Civil War represented a significant challenge to nationalism but ultimately reinforced it, particularly in the South.

    • Post-war, southern leaders rose to key positions within the U.S. Army, suggesting a strengthened nationalist sentiment in the South.

Nationalism as a Religion

  • Carlton J. H. Hayes's View:

    • In 1926, Hayes described nationalism as a religion that has replaced traditional faiths globally, using American nationalism as a case study.

  • Symbols and Icons of American Nationalism:

    • The flag, Liberty Bell, and Statue of Liberty represent holy icons.

    • The national anthem is viewed as a hymn, and the Constitution as an infallible Scripture.

    • Judges are likened to high priests, instilling a culture of reverence in courtroom settings.

    • Founding Fathers and Lincoln are regarded as demigods and national figures symbolize tribal support from a deity aligned with American success.

  • Characterization of Nationalism:

    • The concept of taxes is framed as a tithe, with those promoting nationalism for self-interest labeled as Pharisees, while dissenters are seen as heretics.

    • Hayes considered himself a heretic for questioning rampant nationalism, noting that only academics faced minimal repercussions.

The Role of Gratitude and Responsibility

  • Connection Between Generations:

    • The notion of generational obligation suggests a reciprocal relationship between the living and their ancestors.

    • Current generations must give meaning to the sacrifices of previous generations to uphold ideals of liberty.

    • A lack of gratitude by the present generation not only disregards historical sacrifices but jeopardizes future support for maintaining freedom.

  • America's Unique Role:

    • Despite its injustices, the U.S. has often acted responsibly on the global stage.

    • Notable actions include post-WWII reconstruction efforts for enemies and allies alike, establishing a legacy of charity.

    • The desire for global approval and positive reputation differs from past imperialist actions, warranting pride rather than arrogance.

    • The current cultural trend of self-hatred, which dismisses American achievements, is equated to unhealthy nationalism.

Internationalism Compared to Nationalism

  • Modern Internationalism:

    • The movement for global governance, beginning in the late 19th century and manifesting in entities like the League of Nations and United Nations, carries its own passionate idealism.

    • Critics of internationalism highlight the inefficiencies of national governments and warn against the potential dangers of a world government, rooted in historical lessons.

    • Historical evidence shows that utopian ideals often lead to disastrous outcomes, as seen in totalitarian regimes throughout modern history.

Antebellum Humanism Versus Traditional Theism

  • Shift in American Ideology:

    • Antebellum revivalism and reform reflect a significant transformation in American society influenced by humanism.

  • Beliefs:

    • Many Americans shared a belief in progress attainable through religious tolerance, governance systems, and free market principles.

    • Humanism led to the faith that human systems could rectify societal evils, focusing on the improvement of systems rather than human nature itself.

    • The prevalent idea was that systemic reform would lead to an ideal society, encapsulated in the phrase "if only."