James G.Blaine: Architect of Empire (Biographies in American Foreign Policy) - Softcover

Crapol, Edward P.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0842026053 ISBN 13: 9780842026055

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 1999

Synopsis

In James G. Blaine: Architect of Empire, author Edward P. Crapol assesses Blaine's role as an architect of empire and revisits the ambitious imperialistic goals of this two-time secretary of state. Crapol examines Blaine's pivotal role in shaping American foreign relations and looks at some of the underlying reasons why the U.S. acquired an overseas empire at the turn of the century. This text will acquaint readers with how Blaine sought to win global economic supremacy and intended to transform the U.S. into the world's number one power. The book also lends insight into Blaine's efforts to spark energetic governmental action in revitalizing the merchant marine, building a first-class navy, using the coercive tactic of reciprocity, achieving unilateral control of an isthmian canal, and creating U.S. political and economic hegemony in the hemisphere. In addition, James G. Blaine: Architect of Empire takes a serious look at Blaine the Anglophobe and anti-British nationalist who defined Great Britain as the U.S.'s primary global rival and the chief obstacle to American economic and political dominance in Latin America and the Pacific. Finally, Crapol looks at Blaine as the transitional figure who helped forge the economic expansionist mentality that underpinned the late nineteenth-century burst of imperialism. James G. Blaine is an excellent resource for scholars and students interested in America's imperial past and the figures who played key roles in America's global economic development.

About this title

Review

Into his expert analysis of James G. Blaine's visions for expanding American power in the world, Professor Crapol has skillfully woven insights into the late-nineteenth-century roots of the 'American Century.'--Emily S. Rosenberg, Macalester College

James G. Blain: Architect of Empire is a beautifully written, delicately nuanced, and sophisticated analysis not only of Blaine but of the entire period in which he was active. Professor Crapol places this major figure of American foreign policy firmly inside the development, ideological and economic, of a growing empire, transforming, in the process, standard accounts of nineteenth-century American 'isolationism.' The book should become required reading for everyone interested in U.S. foreign policy.--Marilyn J. Young, professor of history at New York University and author ofThe Vietnam Wars, 1945-1990

The book is highly recommended for courses in U.S. foreign relations as well as the history of the late nineteenth-century United States.--The International History Review

Crapol's bibliographical material shows the depth of his research and provides further sources for people to read. . . . It is an enlightening work and Crapol should be commended in shining fresh light on one of this nation's most brilliant politicians.--Bangor Daily News

About the Author

Edward P. Crapol is William E. Pullen Professor of American History, Emeritus, at the College of William and Mary. He is author of "James G. Blaine: Architect of Empire" and editor of "Women and American Foreign Policy: Lobbyists, Critics, and Insiders".

About this edition

• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0842026053
• ISBN 13: 9780842026055
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 178