Manifest Destiny Democracy As Cognitive Dissonance

Uncovering the Dark Side of American Exceptionalism

The United States of America is a nation founded on the principles of democracy and equality. However, the country's history is also marked by imperialism, racism, and violence. This paradox is often explained by the concept of "manifest destiny," the belief that the United States is destined to expand and dominate the North American continent.

Manifest Destiny: Democracy as Cognitive Dissonance

by F. William Engdahl

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3721 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	234 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	218 pages
Item Weight	:	1.02 pounds
Dimensions	:	6.61 x 0.5 x 9.45 inches

FREE

In his book Manifest Destiny Democracy As Cognitive Dissonance, historian Robert J. Miller argues that manifest destiny is a form of cognitive dissonance. Cognitive dissonance is a psychological state that occurs when someone holds two or more conflicting beliefs. In the case of manifest destiny, Americans believe that their country is both a beacon of democracy and a force for good in the world, while also believing that it is justified in using violence to expand its territory and impose its will on others.

Miller shows how this cognitive dissonance has led to a long history of aggression and oppression, both at home and abroad. For example, the United States' wars against Native Americans, Mexico, and Spain were all justified on the grounds that they were necessary to fulfill the nation's destiny to expand its territory. Similarly, the United States' involvement in the Vietnam War and the Iraq War were both justified on the grounds that they were necessary to protect American interests and promote democracy.

Miller argues that manifest destiny is a dangerous ideology that has led to a great deal of suffering. He calls for a new understanding of American history and identity, one that is based on a more honest assessment of our past and a commitment to justice and equality for all.

The Roots of Manifest Destiny

The concept of manifest destiny can be traced back to the early days of the American republic. The Puritans who founded the Massachusetts Bay Colony believed that they were God's chosen people and that they had a duty to spread Christianity to the New World. This belief was reinforced by the writings of English philosopher John Locke, who argued that the earth was given to mankind by God and that it was the duty of civilized nations to improve upon it.

As the United States expanded westward, the belief in manifest destiny grew stronger. American settlers believed that they were destined to inherit the entire North American continent and that they had a right to displace or conquer the Native Americans who lived there. This belief was reinforced by the fact that the United States was a rapidly growing nation, with a young and ambitious population.

The Consequences of Manifest Destiny

The belief in manifest destiny has had a profound impact on American history. It has led to a long history of imperialism, racism, and violence. The United States has waged wars against Native Americans, Mexico, and Spain, and it has intervened in the affairs of numerous other countries. This has resulted in the deaths of millions of people and the destruction of countless lives.

In addition to its impact on foreign policy, manifest destiny has also had a negative impact on American society. The belief that the United States is a superior nation has led to a sense of entitlement and a disregard for the rights of others. This has resulted in a history of racism, discrimination, and violence against African Americans, Native Americans, and other minority groups.

A New Understanding of American History

The belief in manifest destiny is a powerful one, and it has shaped American history in profound ways. However, it is important to remember that manifest destiny is not a law of nature. It is a human construct, and it can be changed. In Free Download to create a more just and equitable future, we need to develop a new understanding of American history, one that is based on a more honest assessment of our past and a commitment to justice and equality for all.

This new understanding of American history will require us to confront the dark side of our past. We will need to acknowledge the role that manifest destiny has played in the oppression of Native Americans, African Americans, and other minority groups. We will also need to come to terms with the fact that the United States has often used violence to achieve its goals.

Confronting the dark side of our past will not be easy, but it is necessary. Only by understanding the mistakes of the past can we hope to create a better future. A new understanding of American history will allow us to move beyond the legacy of manifest destiny and build a more just and equitable society for all.

Manifest Destiny: Democracy as Cognitive Dissonance

by F. William Engdahl

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3721 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	234 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	218 pages
Item Weight	:	1.02 pounds
Dimensions	:	6.61 x 0.5 x 9.45 inches

FREE