Manifest Destiny - Study Notes

MANIFEST DESTINY - American Expansion and the Empire of Right by Anders Stephanson

Acknowledgments

The author expresses gratitude to individuals who contributed with comments and assistance: Arthur Wang, Kevin Kenny, Richard Lufrano, Eric Foner, Richard Bushman, Betsy Blackmar, and David Armitage. He emphasizes the necessity of absolving them of responsibility for shortcomings in the book due to its nature.

Contents

  • Prologue: Introduction to the concept of Manifest Destiny and its ironic origins.
  • I. Choice and Choseness, 1600-1820: Exploration of early colonial expansion and the ideological origins of American exceptionalism and Puritan thought.
  • II. Destinies and Destinations, 1820-1865: Discussion of early American nationalism, sectionalism, and territorial expansion leading up to the Civil War.
  • III. Blessings of Civilization, 1865-1914: Focus on the dynamics of American identity after the Civil War, including industrialization and imperialism.
  • IV. Falling into the World, 1914-1990: Analysis of changes in American foreign policy, particularly through two World Wars and the Cold War.
  • Bibliographical Note: References for further research.
  • Index: An alphabetical list of topics and individuals referenced in the text.

Prologue

The 1840s represented a time of significant expansion for the United States, marked by John O’Sullivan, a journalist who coined the phrase "manifest destiny" in 1845. He intended to express America's divine right to expand across the continent. His life, however, adds an ironic twist, as he died in obscurity despite his influential attribution. The concept of manifest destiny encapsulates a belief in providential support, indicative of an ambitious expansion associated with both liberty and Anglo-Saxon superiority. While O’Sullivan's intentions were politically and ideologically ambiguous, his phrase evolved into a catchword signifying a mission to expand the United States in a divine context. Historic accounts date back to 1616, emphasizing that the idea was not novel but rather woven into the fabric of American identity.

I. Choice and Choseness, 1600-1820

North America was colonized through conquest and involved the establishment of British societal models. Predominantly, the colonies developed a form of autonomy reflective of previous European models and diverse colonial influences. The Protestant Reformation initiated a significant ideological shift that intersected with the experiences of settlers in the Americas, particularly the Puritans who viewed themselves as a chosen people on a divine mission to establish a new moral society, harking back to biblical themes of election and covenant. The narrative that emerged sought to connect New England's origins and virtues with the broader American national identity, despite its selective historical memory.

  • Election and Covenant: The Puritans adapted biblical notions of divine election to assert their mission in colonization. Their narrative is framed by a covenant with God, promising eventual triumph if they remained aligned with divine law.
  • Choice and Apostasy: Unlike the historical inevitability of divine uniqueness, choices within God’s providence could lead to apostasy, presenting anxiety concerning loyalty and moral rectitude.
  • Prophecy, Revelation, and End of History: Emphasizing the need to read contemporary events against biblical prophecy, the Puritans believed their destiny was intertwined with divine revelations.
  • Territory, Mission, and Community: Their identity revolved around a God-given mission requiring territorial conquest within the new world, characterizing early American social and political ideology.

II. Destinies and Destinations, 1820-1865

American nationalism intensified following the War of 1812. However, the lack of a distinct external enemy contributed to an ambiguous national identity, fostering a sectionalism that outlined the conflicts over slavery and expansion. Sections of American society debated their positional identity, often feeling more linked to regional allegiance than national unity.

  • The Missouri Compromise of 1820 temporarily eased tensions regarding the balance of slave and free states, yet the issue remained deeply divisive amid territorial ambitions.
  • A preoccupation with racial homogeneity and Anglo-Saxon supremacy became linguistic hallmarks of nationalist discourse.
  • Sectionalism versus Nationalism: Northern and southern perspectives on national identity produced competing views, with the South advocating for states' rights while the North emphasized a unified national truth.

III. Blessings of Civilization, 1865-1914

The landscape of American identity transformed post-Civil War as industrialization became dominant. The conception of civilizational superiority persisted, leading to imperialist ambitions and engagement with various territories. This era saw a complex identity evolve, grappling with competing narratives of progress, moral duty, and the implications of expansion.

  • Christianity and Civilization: The belief that America had a divine mission to spread civilization and Christianity coalesced with economic ambitions to frame expansionism in a benevolent light.
  • Racial Discourse: As racial theories proliferated, they informed political rhetoric justifying both expansion and domestic policies prioritizing Anglo-Saxon interests while marginalizing others.

IV. Falling into the World, 1914-1990

The First World War signified a crucial turning point, culminating in a recognition of American emergence as a global power while juggling its historical self-concept vis-à-vis imperialism. Wilson’s project sought to shift the understanding of American identity, attempting to redefine the nation's role in a rapidly changing global context marked by new conflicts.

  • Woodrow Wilson’s Liberalism: His vision of the League of Nations aimed to institutionalize American ideals of liberty and order as a moral blueprint for global governance.
  • Cold War Dynamics: Post-World War II, the United States framed itself as a leader of global democratic values in stark opposition to Communism, continuing to grapple with its exceptionalism and its implications for US foreign engagement.

Bibliographical Note

A comprehensive list of works consulted or mentioned throughout the text, providing avenues for further exploration into the themes discussed in the book, including foundational texts on Manifest Destiny, American foreign policy, and the underlying historical ideologies.

Index

A well-organized index allowing for quick reference to key figures, themes, and concepts crucial to understanding the content and context of the book.