- Dr. Cameron is considering killing his daughter for fear that if the black union soldiers succeed in overtaking them, then they will rape her and do other terrible things to her as well. It can also be inferred that he fears the mixing of the races and his daughter having a child of mixed race if this comes to pass. This can be inferred based on the other messages put forth throughout the film and the number of “scientific” writings of the time furthering these white supremacist ideologies. I think it can be assumed that the other young girl, facing a similar situation as Margaret here, is subject to death at the hands of her protectors for the same reasons. Albeit, in a longer term thought process. Meaning she may be taken and raised until of and age for intermixing.
- I believe with the depictions of the final scene that Griffith is attempting to portray that the Lost Cause idea or ideologies of white supremacy (i.e. – that intermixing would lead to the devolution of society) if they succeed will lead to a Utopian like society. He envisions a world where these ideas are enshrined in custom and possibly law as the ultimate benevolent society. Using iconography like Jesus, a paradise, and a city on a hill all represent symbols of this benevolence and utopia-like state that carry strong meanings for the entirety of the western world for eons at this point. This comparison and association between long held symbols of benevolence with white supremacy imposes to the audience that these ideologies are the moral high ground and lead to paradise.
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Jake's Expanse 