Since the founding of America, attitudes toward nature have changed and they continue to do so. Early pioneers maintained a European mind-set, considering nature an entity to be conquered, civilized and rid of competing wild beasts as necessary. The theory of manifest destiny reflected a theological belief that settlers were divinely appointed to "use" the earth for the enhancement of civilization, no holds barred. Such attitudes eventually led to the decimation of Native Americans and the extinction or near extinction of several animals.