New Worlds, New Jerusalems: Reflections on North American Identities

does north america in the deeper cultural, historical, metaphysical, or political sense exist? and if it does -in more than its trade-driven naftaform- in what might this north american identity consist? the article proceeds to explore two key themes the notion of a new world, and how this has shaped the three north american states; and the notion of new jerusalems, in other words, the early religious underpinnings of mexico, the united states, and canada. the article does not foresee the emergence of a single north american identity, but points to congruent experiences and unifying links in the three countries' historical development.