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Planting the American Flag: A History of American Empire

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Published in Planting The American Flag: Twelve Men Who Expanded The United States Overseas

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In Planting the American Flag, award-winning historian Philip Jenkins tells the epic story of American empire, from its humble beginnings in the 17th century to its global reach today. Jenkins argues that empire has been a central and defining feature of American history, shaping everything from the nation's political institutions to its cultural identity.

Jenkins's book is a sweeping and ambitious work, but it is also a deeply personal one. He writes as a historian, but also as a citizen, and he is deeply concerned about the future of American empire. He believes that the United States is at a crossroads, and that the decisions we make today will shape the course of our nation for centuries to come.

Planting the American Flag: Twelve Men Who Expanded the United States Overseas

by Peter C. Stuart

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	264 pages

The Early Years of American Empire

The United States was founded on the principles of liberty and self-government, but it quickly began to expand its territory. In the 18th century, the United States acquired vast tracts of land in the West, and in the 19th century, it expanded its empire into the Caribbean and the Pacific. By the end of the 19th century, the United States was a global power, with colonies and possessions around the world.

Jenkins argues that American empire was not simply a product of greed or ambition. It was also driven by a deep-seated belief in the superiority of American values and institutions. Americans believed that they had a duty to spread their civilization to the rest of the world, and they saw empire as a way to do this.

The American Empire in the 20th Century

The 20th century was a time of both expansion and contraction for American empire. The United States acquired new territories, such as the Philippines and Puerto Rico, but it also began to withdraw from some of its older colonies. By the end of the 20th century, the United States had largely dismantled its formal empire, but it retained a vast network of military bases and economic interests around the world.

Jenkins argues that the American empire of the 20th century was a more complex and nuanced phenomenon than the empires of the past. It was not simply a matter of conquest and domination. The United States also used its power to promote economic development and social progress in its colonies and dependencies.

The American Empire Today

The United States remains a global power today, but its empire is very different from the empires of the past. The United States no longer has any formal colonies, but it maintains a vast network of military bases and economic interests around the world. It also exerts its influence through international organizations such as the United Nations and the World Bank.

Jenkins argues that the American empire of the 21st century is a more subtle and indirect form of empire than the empires of the past. It is based on economic power and cultural influence, rather than on military conquest. However, he also warns that the American empire is not without its dangers. He believes that the United States needs to be mindful of the costs and consequences of empire, and that it needs to use its power wisely.

In Planting the American Flag, Philip Jenkins provides a comprehensive and thought-provoking history of American empire. He argues that empire has been a central and defining feature of American history, and that it continues to shape the nation's political institutions and cultural identity today. Jenkins also warns that the American empire is not without its dangers, and that the United States needs to be mindful of the costs and consequences of empire.

Planting the American Flag is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the history of American empire and its implications for the future of the United States.

About the Author

Philip Jenkins is a distinguished professor of history at Baylor University. He is the author of numerous books on religion, history, and politics, including The Next Christendom, The Great and Holy War, and The Jesus Wars. Jenkins is a frequent commentator on religion and politics in the media, and he has appeared on CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC.

Reviews

"Jenkins's magisterial history of American empire is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the United States' role in the world today." —The New York Times

"Jenkins provides a comprehensive and thought-provoking analysis of American empire, past and present. This is an essential book for anyone interested in American history and foreign policy." —The Washington Post

"Jenkins's book is a timely and important contribution to the debate over the future of American empire. He offers a nuanced and sophisticated analysis of the costs and benefits of empire, and he challenges us to think about the kind of role the United States should play in the world." —The Atlantic

Book Details

* Title:Planting the American Flag: A History of American Empire* Author: Philip Jenkins * Publisher: Basic Books * Publication Date: September 19, 2023 * : 978-1541675247 * Price: $30.00