"The Citizens of America, placed in the most evitable conditions, as the Sole Lords and Proprietors of a vast tract of Continent,comprehending all the various S

"The Citizens of America, placed in the most evitable conditions, as the Sole Lords and Proprietors of a vast tract of Continent,comprehending all the various Soils and climates of the World, and abounding with all the necessaries and conveniences of life, are now by the late satisfactory pacification, acknowledge to be possessed of absolute freedom and Independancy. They are, from this period, to be considered as Actors on a most conspicuous Theatre, which seems to be peculiarly designed by Providence for the display of human greatness and felicity" -- George Washington, shortly after the Treaty of Paris (1783) Even if manifest destiny was not primary in the hearts and minds of a majority of colonial American citizens, their most potent leader saw it as the common bond that would unite the colonies.