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Manifest Destiny
In Gard's 2011-01-14 podcast he mentions that Manifest Destiny, as a concept of expanding the territorial boundaries from the Atlantic to the Pacific originated in the 1840's. I think that is probably incorrect.
Common Sense back, by Thomas Paine was originally published on January 10, 1776. I read it in 2002 as part of a book club I was involved with. It was pointed out to me by my brilliant brother in-law that Manifest Destiny is talked about quite a bit.
Here are some thoughts recorded from that time.
I must of missed that. I always thought the Louisana Purchase was influenced by Manifest Destiny or whatnot.
I think that this was a prime factor in America's support of the Louisiana Purchase.
Personally, I feel that the Louisiana Purchase was a bad idea, as it fueled Napolean's aggressive wars. Also, it gave the United States more motivation to purge the indigenous people from the continent.
Manifest destiny is alive and well in America. Much of the energy of the Tea Party in this region of Indiana is a form of revival of manifest destiny. Nothing incites more general fervor and emotion here than a David Barton video which depicts the return to national unity under the one true religion as the answer to all problems.
"Some scientists claim that hydrogen, because it is so plentiful, is the basic building block of the universe. I dispute that. I say there is more stupidity than hydrogen, and that is the basic building block of the universe."
Frank Zappa