Question

The name of which region correctly fills in the blanks in this excerpt from an editorial by John O'Sullivan?

"In the case of this is now impossible. The Anglo-Saxon foot is already on its borders. Already the advance guard of the irresistible army of Anglo-Saxon emigration has begun to pour down upon it, armed with the plough and the rifle, and marking its trail with schools and colleges, courts and representative halls, mills and meetinghouses. A population will soon be in actual occupation of over which it will be idle for Medico to dream of dominion. They will necessarily become independent. All this without the agency of our government, without responsibility of our people in the natural flow of events, the spontaneous working of principles, and the adaptation of the tendencies and wants of the human race to the elemental circumstances in the midst of which they find themselves placed."
A) Oregon
B) California
C) Texas
D) New Mexico

Answer 1

John O'Sullivan's editorial refers to Texas, highlighting the significant American settlement and cultural impact in the region, resulting in its independence and playing a role in Manifest Destiny.

Step-by-step explanation:

The excerpt from the editorial by John O'Sullivan is referring to Texas. This is clear from the context of Anglo-Saxon emigration and the quest for dominion in territories north of the Rio Grande River. Texas was a Mexican province that saw a significant influx of American settlers, initially welcomed by the Mexican government but later leading to conflicts over cultural and legal differences, resulting in the Texas Revolution and eventual independence in 1836.

During the era of Manifest Destiny, American expansionists believed in the inevitable absorption of territories such as Texas into the United States. O'Sullivan's editorial captures the spirit of this belief, as settlers pushed westward bringing their customs, laws, and slavery, which was a contentious issue given Mexico's abolition of the practice. This movement was integral to the eventual shape of the nation and the balance of free and slave states prior to the Civil War.