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John O'Sullivan's Vision of Manifest Destiny

Dec 8, 2024

John O'Sullivan Declares America's Manifest Destiny, 1845

Context

  • John Louis O'Sullivan: A prominent editor and columnist.
  • Manifest Destiny: A belief in the divine mission of the United States to expand and lead the world towards democracy.

Key Points

Texas and National Expansion

  • Annexation of Texas:
    • O'Sullivan viewed Texas as part of the United States' national identity.
    • Described Texas as integral to the "glorious blazon of our common nationality".
    • Criticized foreign interference, especially by England and France, as attempts to limit American expansion.

Independence and Justification

  • Texas Independence:
    • O'Sullivan argued Texas's independence from Mexico was both factual and rightful.
    • Stated that American settlers in Texas were invited by Mexico, thus validating U.S. claims.

California and Western Expansion

  • Potential Independence of California:
    • Predicted California's detachment from Mexico due to Mexico's weak governance.
    • Highlighted the influx of Anglo-Saxon settlers as a natural progression.
    • Asserted California's right to self-government and independence based on settlement and development by its population.

Future Integration

  • Union of Territories:
    • Speculated on California potentially joining the U.S. Union.
    • Emphasized the importance of a transcontinental railroad to bind the Pacific region with the Mississippi Valley.
    • Predicted rapid communication advancements (e.g., telegraph) facilitating integration.

Criticism of European Powers

  • Rejection of European Influence:
    • Dismissed French ideas of "balances of power" on the American continent.
    • Criticized the lack of growth in Spanish America and foresaw the British colonies eventually joining the U.S.

Vision of the Future

  • American Growth and Destiny:
    • Envisioned a future where America would become a dominant power with millions united under the American flag.
    • Anticipated a significant increase in population and expansion by 1945.

Source

  • Article from "The United States Magazine and Democratic Review", Volume 17, 1845.
  • Available through Google Books.

Related Topics

  • Cherokee Petition Protesting Removal, 1836
  • Diary of a Woman Migrating to Oregon, 1853