Meaning: This quote is attributed to John Adams, the second President of the United States, and reflects his perspective on the significance of the settlement of America. In this quote, Adams expresses a sense of reverence and wonder towards the process of America's settlement, seeing it as the beginning of a grand plan in Providence. He also emphasizes the role of America in illuminating the ignorant and emancipating the slavish part of mankind globally.

Adams' viewpoint on the settlement of America can be understood in the context of the historical and ideological significance of the colonization and establishment of the United States. The settlement of America involved the arrival of European colonizers and the subsequent displacement and subjugation of indigenous populations. While Adams' perspective may be seen as reflecting a Eurocentric and colonialist viewpoint, it also captures the prevailing attitudes of the time towards the expansion of European powers and the spread of their influence across the globe.

Adams' reference to the settlement of America as the "opening of a grand scene and design in providence" suggests a belief in a divine plan or purpose behind the establishment of the United States. This perspective aligns with the concept of manifest destiny, a belief prevalent in 19th-century America that it was destined to expand across the continent and bring civilization and enlightenment to the lands it occupied. The idea of providence also reflects a belief in the guidance or intervention of a higher power in human affairs, reinforcing the sense of reverence and wonder that Adams associates with the settlement of America.

Furthermore, Adams' assertion that the settlement of America is intended for "the illumination of the ignorant and the emancipation of the slavish part of mankind all over the earth" speaks to the perceived role of America in advancing the progress and freedom of humanity. This statement can be interpreted as reflecting the Enlightenment ideals that were influential during Adams' time, emphasizing the importance of knowledge, reason, and liberation from oppressive systems.

The concept of "the illumination of the ignorant" can be understood as a reference to the spread of knowledge, education, and enlightenment, aiming to uplift those who are considered ignorant or uninformed. This aligns with the broader narrative of America as a beacon of progress and opportunity, offering the promise of a better life and greater freedoms to those who seek it.

Likewise, the notion of "the emancipation of the slavish part of mankind" suggests a commitment to freeing people from various forms of oppression and servitude. While Adams may have been specifically referring to the abolition of slavery, his language also resonates with broader struggles for freedom and human rights that have been ongoing throughout history.

In summary, John Adams' quote reflects a perspective that combines reverence for the settlement of America with a belief in its role as a vehicle for enlightenment and emancipation. While acknowledging the complexities and contradictions of America's history, the quote provides insight into the ideological underpinnings of the nation's early leaders and their vision for the future of the United States in a global context.