William Blackstone and US Foreign Policy

641: Research Paper 01: William Blackstone and U.S foreign policy
Name
Course
Instructor
Date
Introduction
William E. Blackstone was the most vocal dispensationalist who advocated the establishment of a Jewish state. Blackstone’s views inspired the Christian Zionists who support the state of Israel by highlighting on the Judeo-Christian ties. As such, both Christian Zionists and dispensationalists advocate pro-Zionist ideology based on the idea that the restoration of Israel has a Biblical basis. Theological perspectives are no longer the main focus of American foreign policy in the Middle East, while American public opinions have a favorable view about Israel. This paper provides a biographical view of William E. Blackstone, his support for Jewish restorationist theology and its influence as well as the on U.S foreign policy in the Middle East and Israel.
Biographical overview of William E. Blackstone
Blackstone was one of the first Christian ministries to advocate for Jewish restoration, in Palestine offering financial support while using political activism to ensure a Jewish homeland was established. Additionally, Blackstone’s William Blackstone’s most notable contribution was to highlight the plight of Jews suffering oppression in Russia and Eastern Europe. Blackstone petitioned President Harrison, to consider the return of Jews to Israel and ‘Blackstone Memorial’ then his first petition. Blackstone further urged Jewish leaders to adopt Palestine as a location for the state of Israel as there would be political support from Christians in the West.
William E. Blackstone and impact on U.S. foreign policy toward the Middle East
Blackstone’s legacy and impact on U.S. was gradual, beginning with his calls for a change in public policy with regard to the establishment of the Jewish Homeland. To begin with the ardent supporters of his policies were the Zionists. Blackstone did not abandon his ambitions of evangelizing and continued supporting dispensationalism in America and abroad. Dispensationalism provided a basis for support to the Jewish people in the U.S., and a solid political base emerged over time fusing both religious sentiments with political undertones. It is unlikely that Zionism would receive support without first appealing to Dispensationalism. Zionism goals have a broad support among Americans, after having gained wide acceptance among the religious right.
Blackstone laid a political foundation of Zionism and the restorationist tradition. Since politics influences foreign policy, Blackstone led to a surge in support of Zionist. As such, the foreign policy of America has focused on the strategic place of Israel in the Middle East. Strategic deliberations of the U.S in the Middle East have tended to focus less on the religious sentiments of the early Zionists including Blackstone, but more on the mutual benefits of the alliance. To further highlight the place of Israel in America’s foreign policy was the granting of full diplomatic privileges following the establishment of the state of Israel.
The publicity generated by the Blackstone Memorial may have influenced the political discourse in America, and this resulted in more influence of Zionist efforts in the U.S. Despite Blackstone’s mixed success in the reign of other presidents other than Harrison, it is noteworthy that he was embraced by Jewish leaders and influenced Jewish-Christian relations. The Blackstone Memorial had little success in influencing diplomatic relations, but it also galvanized Americans who became interest on the question of Jews. Through petitioning those in power, Blackstone demonstrated that such efforts can influence policies. The growing strength of the Israel Lobby in influencing America’ foreign policy in the Middle East demonstrates the legacy of lobbying to align Zionist political interest with foreign policy.
William E. Blackstone recognized the importance of establishing a country where Zionists could live owing to their history in Palestine. Blackstone’s legacy in American political circles and policy making has inspired Christian Zionists to champion for Zionist causes. Blackstone sought to influence American foreign policy in Israel, and the political activists are powerful forces who drive the Zionist agenda. The historical significance of Zionism in shaping American foreign policy has grown over time with the contribution of Christian leaders. In any case, Blackstone recognized the need for clarity on the question of Jews and Palestine, petitioning the U.S president in 1890. The pro-Israel stance has stood firm regardless of the American presidents in power.
Even though, there has been unwavering support for Israel as exemplified by the U.S foreign policy, the Judeo-Christian ties between the U.S and Israel started even before the state of Israel came into being. Blackstone views on the restoration of Israel are well grounded in the Bible, where the rebuilding of Jerusalem (Zion) represents God’s Glory to mankind. The work of Blackstone strengthened the ties, and now more than ever before there is recognition that the shared values have been influential in American foreign policy. Israel is not only a strategic asset, but American domestic political factors have gravitated towards Pro-Israeli policies.
There was support for Blackstone’s efforts for a Jewish state, but some of the supporters merely based their views on a humanitarian ground. Blackstone did not have immediate success in influencing public policy, but he set the tone for Christians and Zionists to be more proactive when advocating for a Jewish homeland. Policy makers gradually supported the state of Israel as Zionism gained support among Americans. Dispensationalism gave credence to Zionist goals, and Blackstone played a crucial role towards the evolution of U.S policy as Dispensationalism was aligned with the political ideology of right wing Christians.
Following efforts by Blackstone, and other Christian activists, the evangelical support of Israel has gained strength over time. Blackstone’s efforts have had a more profound impact on the political scene that he initially imagined, and provided a basis for the support of Israel. Blackstone highlighted the Biblical justification for the establishment of the state of Israel, which was later to influence other Christian Zionists. However, without the public support for strong US-Israel ties, political activism would be less effective, as Zionism would only be viewed through a religious lens.
Blackstone's restorationionist theologic...