NationStates Jolt Archive


The Westward Expansion (C. 1800's tech)

Sanctarcadia
17-12-2005, 19:15
A letter from President Jefferson Rand to Secretary of State Chester Hughes

Secretary Hughes,

It is with a great deal of pleasure that I look upon our accomplishments. In only the short span of three years, we have transformed our island from a prison into a bastion of liberty and prosperity. The inhabitants of this land have come from slavery to become pure and perfect examples of intelligence, integrity, and ingenuity. Never before in history, it seems, has so much been accomplished in such time, and I have every reason to believe that is the nature of these inhabitants to make it so; to elevate themselves against all odds and to transform their surroundings to reflect their own spirit. Their spirit is possessed of the quality to deflect all evils thrown against them, and to harness all hardships for their own personal strengthening.

If there are doubts about this matter, I would ask the doubter to simply look around at his surroundings. Where before we starved, we now produce enough food to manage a hefty surplus and to allow us the luxury of choice in what covers our tables. Where before we were without shelter save for the long barracks of our captivity, now the coastline of our island is lined with stately homes, built by the sturdy hands of this liberated people. Where before we were defenseless, we now have enough arms among us to manage the upkeep of a strong civilian militia and a small but stately professional guard. Where before we were divided, we are now joined by a great federal post office and many have the luxury of telecommunication. Where before we were struck with poverty, through the glory of free enterprise our people have provided for themselves and business flourishes, providing wealth enough to justify the foreign luxuries that pour daily into our ports. Where before we were few, our numbers swell daily as new children are born into this free land, and as others who wish to partake in our dawn join us.

And is precisely this swelling of our numbers that has evoked such distress among some members of congress. While our borders are now expansive enough to suit the purposes of their occupants, and to provide ample space, there is talk of the future. What is to be done for posterity to afford them such luxury? Overcrowding, while a distinct problem for other larger states is as much a myth here to many, but it is often such mindset that opens wide the gate for trouble to enter. This continent of which the heel our United States occupy is a vast one indeed, with much in the way of untouched, pristine wilderness. It is also one rich in resources which would do much to fuel our already booming prosperity. The discovery of gold along the bottom of a stream many miles west I sincerely believe is only the tip of the iceberg. Would it not be sensible therefore to make motion to expand our boundaries onto the mainland?

And it is not the threat of overpopulation or promise of resources alone that would justify such expansion. There are several cultures existing to the west who would only too heartily accept the blessing of union with our Sanctarcadian republic, and incorporation into our political body. As we have brought ourselves prosperity and civilization, so we could bring our neighbors through incorporation. While some may cry “conquest!” they would not be further from the truth, for to take land by force and without the will of the inhabitants is one thing, but to incorporate with the blessing of the land’s owners is quite a different matter.

It is my vision that by the end of the decade, we will have set in motion a stream of settlers to populate these frontiers, and to extend in the name of these United States the virtues of liberty, justice, and security. I believe that our destiny to settle and claim this continent from coast to coast is manifest, and therefore do heartily and humbly propose that you and I find common ground on this matter.

Jefferson Rand

OOC: This thread will be a long running matter that covers the expansion and development of my nation for several decades, beginning with the first settling of the Sanctarcadian frontier, and progressing through industrialization. If anyone else is interested in participating in this 1800's style RP, feel free to post your interest OOC here. I'll be following this introductory post with a map of the continent, and a summary of the history of the young Sanctarcadian republic to date.