IMPERIALISM...WHAT IS IT?

Imperialism is as slippery a word as liberty, and perhaps more controversial. Is America an Empire? Jefferson thought, but is it an Empire for Liberty or an Empire of Liberty?

Historians continue to grapple with the question of American Imperialism because the United States was created quite purposely to contrast the imperialism of the British Empire and the European imposition of monarchial sovereignty.

Territorial expansion in the young republic developed "new types" of imperialism through a crucible of events and ideologies. Jefferson's Empire of Liberty was his vision for the yeoman farmer and the Louisiana Purchase and Manifest Destiny is often associated with the westward expansion of entrepreneurial settlers at the cost of Native American, Mexican, and Spanish sovereignty. Although some of these acquisitions are often viewed as consistent with the values of the American Revolution and not associated with imperialism, all of these acquisitions challenged the identity and composure of US, setting new precedents in foreign relations.

As the twentieth century neared, the term imperialism was introduced more regularly in foreign policy debates. Throughout the twentieth century the notion is not merely associated with territorial acquisition and colonialism, but also as "cultural imperialism," "hegemony," "dependency theories," and "proxy imperialism." These reinventions of imposition further challenge the definition of imperialism and its reach.

The twenty-first century is not without its own reinventions. Malaysia's deputy Foreign Minister in June, 2007 accused the United States and others of "Green Imperialism," by pressuring developing nations to adopt environmental standards.

Of course, the war in Iraq also poses a multitude of debate surrounding the notion.

As the site expands, bibliographies and historiographies along with links to relevant sites contextualizing and examining these notions will be posted.

Contextualizing Imperialism

"The underlying principle of all historical work is that the subject of our enquiry must not be wrenched from its setting...we must place everything we know about the past in its contemporary context."*

Although this site will devote much of its attention to the Gilded Age and Progressive Era, please examine the broader precedent and consequences. Over the next year the site will provide like to internet resources in order to expand the context of American Empire into other historical genres.

The Context of Empire 1600-1770

The Context of Empire 1770-1836

The Context of Empire 1836-1877

The Context of Empire 1877-1898

The Context of Empire 1898-1905

The Context of Empire 1905-1921

The Context of Empire 1921-1945

The Context of Empire 1945-1991

The Twenty-First Century Context of Empire

* John Tosh, The Pursuit of History Revised 3rd Ed. (London: Longman, 2002), p. 10-11.

M. Patrick Cullinane, Liberty and Anti-Imperialism, June 22, 2007.

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