A prominent figure in the late 19th-century American religious landscape, he advocated for a particular brand of Protestant missionary work and expansionism. His writings, most notably “Our Country,” articulated a belief in the superiority of the Anglo-Saxon race and the imperative to spread American civilization and Christianity across the globe. This perspective, rooted in Social Darwinism and religious conviction, positioned the United States as divinely ordained to exert influence over other nations. He saw this expansion not as conquest but as a benevolent mission to uplift and Christianize the world.
The significance of understanding his ideas lies in their reflection of the prevalent ideologies during a period of increasing American imperialism. His theories provided a religious justification for overseas expansion and resonated with many Americans who believed in the nation’s exceptionalism. Understanding his work provides crucial context for examining the motivations behind U.S. foreign policy decisions during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His influence demonstrates how religious and racial ideologies intertwined to shape American expansionist ambitions.
