Sandy A. -
In 1898, the most heatedly-debated question in America was "Is the United States to be an empire?" With the potential of annexing the disheveled Hawaiian Islands into the nation, as well as a revolutionary conflict occurring just off the Florida coastline in the tumultuous Spanish colony of Cuba, the stage was being set for American influence abroad to run rampant.
At the time, many Americans were content to continue the U.S. policy of isolationism, first begun during George Washington's presidency; however others were enticed to abandon that stance, as well as ignoring some of the ideals this country was founded upon. With the American frontier settled, the American imagination was invigorated by the prospect of further expansion abroad and the potential profits that overseas colonies could provide. Giving up the lofty ideals of "government by the consent of the governed" did little to prickle its conscience of the American mind. America was in a time period of rapid industrial growth and it needed new markets to sell its goods. Late 19th century America was also in the throes of nationalism that compelled the nation to use its power to aid the other peoples out of humanitarian responsibility.
I highly recommend this book for its treatment of a pivotal time in American history.
I received a free advanced copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers. December 31, 2016.
At the time, many Americans were content to continue the U.S. policy of isolationism, first begun during George Washington's presidency; however others were enticed to abandon that stance, as well as ignoring some of the ideals this country was founded upon. With the American frontier settled, the American imagination was invigorated by the prospect of further expansion abroad and the potential profits that overseas colonies could provide. Giving up the lofty ideals of "government by the consent of the governed" did little to prickle its conscience of the American mind. America was in a time period of rapid industrial growth and it needed new markets to sell its goods. Late 19th century America was also in the throes of nationalism that compelled the nation to use its power to aid the other peoples out of humanitarian responsibility.
I highly recommend this book for its treatment of a pivotal time in American history.
I received a free advanced copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers. December 31, 2016.
