CHAPTER I.
IN one important respect the history of the United States differs from the history transcends the history of any other great power of the world. Its boundaries have never receded. It is true, indeed, that some of the great powers have gained important territorial acquisitions, and have lost others ; their boundary lines advancing and receding. At certain points of their history they may have claimed that their boundaries had never receded. This statement is now true of no great power except the United States.[1]
This is a fact of deep significance. It refutes the theory formerly so prevalent in Europe, and entertained to some extent in America, that a vast confederated republic could not possess cohesive force sufficient to hold its several parts together. Yet experience has shown that the United States, alone of all the great powers of the world, has preserved intact all the territory it has ever acquired.
In another respect American history is distinctive. Every great war in which the United States has ever been engaged, has been accompanied by a large acquisi-
- ↑ It is also true that the United States, in adjusting its territorial claims with other nations has, in a few instances, compromised disputed claims. This was done in the case of our first claim to Texas, based on the purchase of Louisiana. (Benton s Thirty Years, Vol. i, Chap. VI.) This was also done with respect to the proposed line of 50° 40’, and with respect to other disputed claims. But these claims having been adjusted by treaty, and the jurisdiction of the United States once established, not one square inch of territory acquired has ever been lost.
