Our national birth (and the Declaration of Independence) was the
beginning of a new history, which separates us from the past and connects
us only with the future.
We are the nation of progress, of individual freedom, of universal
enfranchisement. Our future history will be to establish on earth the moral
dignity and salvation of man -- the undeniable truth and goodness of God.
America has been chosen for this mission among all the nations of the
world, which are shut out from the life-giving light of truth. Her high
example shall put an end to the tyranny of kings, and carry the happy news
of peace and good will to millions who now endure an existence hardly
better than that of beasts of the field. Who, then, can doubt that our
country is destined to be the great nation of the future?
John O’Sullivan, “Annexation,” 1845.
It is time now for all opposition to annexation of Texas to stop. . . Texas is
now ours. She is no longer to us a mere geographical space. She is no
longer to us a mere country on the map....
The time has come for everyone to stop treating Texas as an alien, and to
stop thwarting our policy and hampering our power, limiting our greatness
and checking the fulfillment of our manifest destiny to overspread the
continent allotted by Providence for the free development of our yearly
“To present a picture of it was desirable in every point of view. The map so
constructed, shows at a glance the whole extent of the United States territory
from sea to sea; and in tracing the probable expansion of the human race from
east to west, the mind finds an agreeable resting place on its western limits. The
view is complete, and leaves nothing to be wished for. It also adds to the beauty
and symmetry [balance] of the map; which will, it is confidently believed, be found
one of the most useful and ornamental [decorative] works ever executed
[created] in this country.”
–John Melish, 1816
