Race and Manifest Destiny: The Origins of American Racial Anglo-Saxonism

In his seminal work first published in 1981, historian Reginald Horsman looks at the development of racial ideology in the United States during the age of Jackson, The author argues that the idea of Anglo-Saxonism in the United States emerges out of England and the English reformation and is influenced by Enlightenment ideas. He shows how, in the decades after the Revolution, Americans (and Europeans) developed ideas about the racial inferiority of other “lesser” peoples to justify the eventual subjugation of these groups. Horsman notes that while many (if not all) Americans in the early years of the Republic agreed all humans are descended from one pair and the differences in skin color are due to differences in environment, this changes in the early nineteenth century. (Horsman 99-101) This is due to the influences of the Romantic Movement and its emphasis on the uniqueness of the individual as well as the reality of slavery in what some refer to as the world’s freest nation. Finally, Horsman traces how the idea of racial inferiority hardens and gains traction throughout the mid nineteenth century and is used as justification for not only slavery but also Indian removal and the Mexican War.Horsman uses a vast array of sources as should be expected when discussing such diverse topics as the English revolution, the Enlightenment, racial thought in early America and Manifest destiny (to name a few). The author uses both primary and secondary sources including such primary sources as The Papers of Thomas Jefferson and The Writings of Thomas Jefferson as well as secondary items by such notable scholars as Gordon S. Wood and Bernard Bailyn.As for weaknesses, it is difficult to pinpoint any. Horsman is incredibly thorough in his work, crafting a narrative that is both engaging and informative, easy to follow and useful for both the specialist and non-specialist simply interested in learning about the development of racial ideas in the United States. The strength of the argument, including those noted, lay in the works longevity. Even now, 30 years after it was first published, the work is still to be found not only in numerous graduate level syllabi, but also in the bibliographies of many major works dealing with the period which use race as a theme or part of its conceptual/analytical framework.

One of the most important aspects of American history, especially in the 18th and 19th century.A hidden gem. Critical overlooked aspect of US history - shows just how important British ethnic identity was to Anglo-Americans and how that intense identity informed their outlook and actions toward other ethnic groups. This racial identity would form Anglo-America's self-image and perceived purpose in the world.

I would have given it four stars if the interpretation wasn't "I love it." It's hard to "love" a book that reveals so many of Europe's and America's moral and intellectual short-comings. However, simply as a work of scholarship, the book is excellent, and shines a light of truth on the roots of Western thought that have led to greatness and great blunders in our history. I wouldn't say Horsman is without bias himself, however; and I wonder whether or not the loss of confidence his work has engendered in the West, has been the consequence he was looking for?

This bookseller's "Very Good" is only in "Good" condition (book spine dinged, some chapters with underling, large "Used" sticker)

"Race and Manifest Destiny" gives an uncommon view about some of the potential force behind the extensions in "North America". It is worth-while to read Horsman's writing about the topic.Some additional research would be helpful to look more in depth at the topic and people's views about it. However, there is not a lot of academic research which can be of assistance in this matter.

Interesting book.

Outstanding work on the early years of America's history, specifically regarding the racist ideology that propelled much of the western movement.

excellent