[Alberta's Child]

It has nothing to do with New Mexico and Arizona per se. It's just that once those two states joined the Union there was no longer a frontier -- and growth by statehood in the contiguous United States came to an end.

For better or worse, the earlier "imperial" wars you describe were for the purpose of expanding the United States as a nation. It's been decades since we've done that. Now, we grow through colonization even as we allow millions of foreign invaders to pour over our own borders.

[Owl558]

“For better or worse, the earlier “imperial” wars you describe were for the purpose of expanding the United States as a nation. It’s been decades since we’ve done that.”

I have Pinoy friends who truly and strongly wish that the Philipines were the 51st state. Imagine if that had come to pass. Cheers FRiend! We agree on many points.