While there have been many analyses of American imperialism, few have equalled the breadth or insight of this seminal text, one of the first to provide a historical perspective on the origins of the American empire. Victor Kiernan, one of the world's most respected historians, employs a nuanced knowledge of history, literature, and politics in tracing the evolution of American power.Far reaching and ambitious in scope, the book combines accounts of the changing relationship between Native Americans and the white population with readings of the works of key cultural figures, such as Melville and Whitman, as well as an analysis of the way in which money and politics became so closely intertwined in American democracy. Also included is a preface by Eric Hobsbawm providing insight into his own views on American imperialism as well as a valuable introduction to Victor Kiernan's work. Together, they shed useful light on such issues as the uses and misuses of American military might, its lack of respect for international agreements, and the right to pre-emptive defence - issues which remain just as urgent today.

Preface by Eric Hobsbawm Foreword Introduction by John Trumpbour Part I: The Winning of the National Territory 1. The Birth of a Nation 2. The Pursuit of Happiness 3. White Man and Red Man Part II: Middle Decades 1. The Literary Mirror 2. From West Indies to Far East 3. Civil War and After 4. The Last Indian Wars Part III: Overseas Expansion and the War with Spain 1. The Red Man in Custody 2. New Visions of Empire 3. Latin America and Further Asia 4. Anglo-Saxons and Their Wars Part IV: Imperial Choices for a New Century 1. The Progressivist Era 2. The Philippines Experiment, and Direct or Indirect Rule 3. Dollar Diplomacy in Central America 4. Old World Frustrations, and Ideas of a New World Order Part V: Two Strides to World Power 1. Great War and Not So Great Peace 2. Victory and After: The Mirror of Science Fiction 3. America, the World's Banker 4. Slump Years, and a New Look at the Red Indian 5. From Isolationism to Conquest Part VI: The American Hegemony 1. Capitalism, Militarism and the Cold War 2. The Old Empires and Neo-Colonialism 3. War in Vietnam and its Repercussions 4. The Middle East and Africa 5. Latin America 6. Retrospect and Prospect Epilogue by John Trumpbour