J.R.@A&M wrote: ↑Sun Sep 30, 2018 3:37 pmOk, having read it I agree with the author that there are patterns in the evolution of empires. But I still disagree with the statement that I quoted. I don’t think there was ever a time in the evolution of any modern non-socialist society where people had a goal of making money for the collective. Especially in the United States.
The "Go West, Young Man" era seems to fall solidly in his pioneering period, but I argue the individuals were motivated by dreams of personal wealth, not because of some duty to God and Country. Christopher Columbus was sponsored by the Spanish Monarchy, but he spent years to get that support, motivated by the desire to become rich from the spice trade. Likewise, Radisson and des Groseilliers wanted to become rich in the fur trade, and broke the French monopoly on North American fur trading by going to Boston, and later England, for backing when their government wouldn't support their business plans.
I wonder how much of the author's viewpoint was shaped by his own upbringing and station in life. His father was a British military officer, in an era where it was exceedingly rare for a commoner to be an officer.