“A City on a Hill” – John Winthrop, 1630
Based on your reading of the text, what are the key features of the “City on a Hill” that Winthrop envisions? As the leader, to bring and encourage all citizens to unite and to help their fellow man. His people working together congruously will help the community today and the future generation. He emphasizes with his own people that “unity of the spirit” brings law and order to man within their hearts. Establishing this model for his people can carry on for an epoch.
How do his religious beliefs shape his view of the ideal society? His idea of spirituality brings a prosperity of blessing to his people. Their ways of good acts will reward them as God works. The practice of God will keep evil and enemies away. Prayers can curse the evil of restoring faith among the people. In doing so, the commandments can go hand and hand with the law of the land. Therefore, what is in our hearts will not turn to evil as we worship God.
“America’s Manifest Destiny” – John O’Sullivan, 1845
Why does O’Sullivan believe the people of the United States have a greater claim to Texas and California than Mexico? The reason accomplishment reveals future free and promotes development to make millions by having Texas and California with technology and the rail system.
What institutions does he associate with Anglo-Saxon immigration? He associates the “schools, colleges, courts, and representative halls, mills and meeting-houses” that began emigration that flooded these institutions.
How do the then-new technologies of the railroad and telegraph relate to O’Sullivan’s vision of Manifest Destiny? It seems that Texas and California can help lead the way in new technologies for the U.S. to grow in a new development era. Having both states can manifest opportunities for the future of the American people.
How does religious relate to his idea? In his vision, there is no relation to a religion other than the U.S. is built on democracy for our people. The independence to self-govern by the people in the community who can exercise the right to practice religion and freedom under our democracy.
Written By: Greg MD
Greg MD Blog 
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