This book is published in the hope that it may contribute, in however small measure, to forming on the part of the American people that Will (without which no way can be devised) to take the leadership in the civilization of Christendom, for which its situation and the happy circumstances of its history furnish so good an opportunity. The leadership here contemplated is of a new kind: it is not military, it is not imposed upon unwilling peoples, but it would be leadership none the less; and if the American people can but achieve the inspiration and form this Will, it would mark a chapter in the history of human society as important as the invention of printing, the Reformation, or the discoveries of Columbus.