Final answer:
The resources and immensity of the United States have been fundamental to its development into a global power, influencing ideologies like Manifest Destiny and supporting its economic growth as a manufacturing powerhouse, although some resources have been depleted over time.
Step-by-step explanation:
In American history, the resources and immensity of the United States are often cited as significant factors in its growth into a global power. This is evident in the historical accounts and speeches that highlight the nation's abundant natural resources, geographical advantages, and the resulting economic prosperity. Senator Thomas Hart Benton's endorsement of Manifest Destiny, as well as the significant use of natural resources like oil and gas during the 20th century, showcased the belief that the United States had a destined role to play on the world stage because of these assets.
The concept of Manifest Destiny held that the U.S. was predestined to expand across the North American continent, a belief that was further fueled by the country's vast resources and land. With a wealth of natural resources, the United States became a manufacturing powerhouse, driving innovation and production. However, present discussions acknowledge that certain resources have been permanently depleted, indicating that the era of superabundance may be in the past.
The quotation by John O'Sullivan in 1839 embodies the zeitgeist of American expansionism, where the nation saw itself on an untrodden path of progress. This mindset, coupled with the nation's resource richness, led to a confidence in America's role in the world, albeit overlooking the complexities and consequences that accompanied such an expansionist ideology.