Question

the expansive future is our arena, and for our history. we are entering on its untrodden space, with the truths of god in our minds and with a clear conscience unsullied by the past. we are the nation of human progress. who will, what can, set limits to our onward march? providence is with us, and no earthly power can.—john osullivan, 18391. think about how this quotation resonated with different groups of americans at the time. they did not consider the brutality or racism of their actions as they moved west. how does this quotation reflect that attitude?2. at the time, many settlers felt like they were at the height of democracy. with no aristocracy, america was a new world where anyone could succeed. however, who do you think the “we” osullivan uses is referring to? consider restrictions by race, gender, and nationality.answer each question in 2 - 3 sentences in the text box.

Explanation:

Question 1

The quotation presents westward expansion as a divinely - ordained, unstoppable march of “human progress”. This reflects the attitude that settlers saw their westward movement as a righteous, inevitable mission, justifying their actions (including the displacement and mistreatment of Native Americans and other marginalized groups) as part of a greater, morally - pure cause.

The “we” in O'Sullivan's quote likely refers to white, male, American citizens. During this time, racial minorities (like Native Americans, African Americans), women, and non - U.S. nationals were excluded from this definition of the group advancing “human progress” due to prevalent racial, gender, and nationalistic restrictions.

Answer:

The quotation frames westward expansion as a divinely - sanctioned, unstoppable “march” of “human progress”, reflecting the settlers' attitude that their actions were righteous and inevitable, so they ignored the brutality and racism of displacing others.

Question 2