

152. American Crusades
23 snips Feb 17, 2022
In this engaging discussion, Andrew Preston, a Cambridge University professor specializing in religion's role in war and diplomacy, delves into America's complex relationship with faith and conflict. He explores how early settlers' beliefs influenced military actions and diplomacy, shaping notions like Manifest Destiny. Preston further examines Christianity's profound effect on American imperialism during the 19th century and the moral dilemmas faced by historical leaders, revealing the intricate ties between faith and national identity.
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Puritan Motives
- Early American settlers, like the Puritans, were driven by a complex mix of religious fervor and practical concerns.
- They aimed to establish a "New Jerusalem" but also sought land and resources, leading to conflicts with Native Americans.
Manifest Destiny and Expansion
- The concept of Manifest Destiny, fueled by religious ideals, justified westward expansion as a civilizing mission.
- This ideology provided a rationale for displacing Native Americans while promoting American exceptionalism.
Religious Wars in North America
- The wars fought by American colonists against Catholic France were often framed through a religious lens, as Protestant vs. Catholic.
- This religious dimension fueled the conflict and intertwined with broader imperial rivalries.