“Morse’s synthesis of science and religion represented the predominant American attitude of the time; only a few eccentrics believed there was any conflict between scientific and religious truth. Revelation and reason alike, Americans were confident, led to knowledge of God and His creation.”

Juxtaposition stands out as the primary literary device here, highlighting the era’s perspective that bridged two realms often seen as separate or even opposing. Howe suggests an essential understanding of this period where empirical discovery and divine revelation were viewed not as conflicting paths but as converging ones, leading toward a unified understanding of the world. The mention of “only a few eccentrics believed there was any conflict” employs understatement, subtly emphasizing the broad consensus on this synthesis and magnifying the perceived eccentricity of dissenting views. This understatement suggests the widespread acceptance of this synthesis as a defining feature of the era.

“Not all Americans endorsed their country’s imperial destiny of territorial expansion. For some people, the Christian religion provided a fulcrum for criticism of American national aggrandizement rather than an endorsement of it. America’s national mission should be one of democratic example rather than conquest, they insisted.”

The quote leverages contrast to delineate the differing perspectives within the American populace regarding expansionism. The use of “fulcrum for criticism” metaphorically suggests that religion, typically a foundation for unity and support, here acts as a pivot point for scrutinizing national ambitions, indicating a moral and ethical contemplation among dissenters. This metaphor extends to juxtapose the idea of a “democratic example” with “conquest,” framing the debate as one between moral leadership and aggressive expansion, and illuminating the ideological rifts that challenge the notion of a homogenous American