1873 - "North-Western North America: Its Resources and Its Inhabitants" by J.T. Rothrock in the Journal of the American Geographical Society of New York
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(8/9) it may prove the last and most difficult task left for us to accomplish” (pg 415). In Rothrock’s mind, the importance and heavy burden of populating the entire continent may turn out to be too much for the United States
(5/5) This is following the common trend of light equals good and dark equals bad. American expansion is seen as a positive at the expense of Native Americans, putting the United States above them, thus promoting the idea of American exceptionalism.
(4/5) represent a new state. The background scenery lends itself to this Godly interpretation as the sky to the right, where America and “civilization” are, is full of light whereas the left side, where the Native Americans are, is darker and heavily clouded.
(4/4) the idea of manifest destiny while so many other types of Christians embraced this idea wholeheartedly. This article, however critical it is, still displays the fact that manifest destiny was a concept sweeping the nation at this time.
(3/4) its principles and increase its territory, even among people who do not like its principles, and who refuse to be annexed,” a surprisingly critical take on an overtly popular ideal in America, especially at the time. It’s interesting that a Catholic newspaper would condemn