Imperialism and Expansionism in American History: A Social, Political, and Cultural Encyclopedia and Document Collection. Edited by Chris J. Magoc and David Bernstein. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO, 2016. 4 vols. Acid free $415.00 (ISBN 978-1-61069-429-2). E-Book available (978-1-61069-430-8), call for pricing.
From the genesis of the concept of manifest destiny in the 1840s, through the attainment of statehood for Alaska and Hawaii in 1959, and up to the present day as the world’s lone superpower, the locomotive that is our nation has barreled down the twin rails of physical growth and world influence. Powerful, but not omnipotent, America has also learned some hard lessons in playing the role of global policeman. As the editors state in their preface, this work “was conceived partly in response to increased attention to the costs and consequences of American interventionist policies and the nation’s position as the world’s dominant military force” (xvii). This four-volume set also fills a gap in the reference literature regarding the territorial expansion of the United States, as virtually nothing else has heretofore been published on this specific topic.
Contents are broadly arranged chronologically, from the section entitled “Seven Years’ War to the Annexation of Hawai‘i” beginning volume 1, up through “The Lone Superpower, 1990–2014,” which concludes volume 4. Within each section, representing discrete historical periods of expansion and influence, topics appear in standard alphabetical order. The reader will find biographical sketches of major actors (Ottawa Chief Pontiac, President Andrew Jackson); statements of principle (Monroe Doctrine); wars and rebellions (Spanish-American/Philippine-American Wars); concepts (Dollar Diplomacy, Good Neighbor Policy); legislation (McKinley Tariff Act of 1890); events (Iran-Contra Scandal [1985–1987]); and even discussions concerning aspects of so-called cultural imperialism, such as the influence that American music, movies, and mass media have on foreign populations. The entries are signed by their respective writers and conclude with “see also” cross-references and a short further reading list of pertinent sources. Additionally, each section opens with a three- to four-page narrative historical overview that helps to place the topics of the individual articles into their proper context. Wrapping up each section is a representative sampling of primary documents, such as letters, speeches, essays, andphe like, which, written in the language of their own time, provide additional insight into the motivations and thought processes of those who “make” history. All four volumes are well illustrated with black-and-white photographs, maps, and historical prints. Special features include chronologies, a glossary, a smattering of sidebars, and a comprehensive bibliography.
The editors are well versed in their field of endeavor. David Bernstein is a visiting professor of history at Denison University in Granville, Ohio. He received his PhD in history from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Chris J. Magoc is Professor of History at Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pennsylvania, where he teaches courses in American history and directs the Mercyhurst public history program. Between them, they have numerous publications to their credit. As for the contributors, they consist of the standard academic types and the seemingly ubiquitous “independent scholars.”
As alluded to earlier, this work appears to be unique in that the only other reference set found concerning the history of American territorial expansion is James A. Crutchfield’s two-volume The Settlement of America: An Encyclopedia of Westward Expansion from Jamestown to the Closing of the Frontier (M. E. Sharpe, 2011). However, as the title implies, that work only covers the continental United States, whereas the present set under review is worldwide in scope. Aside from this, Imperialism and Expansionism is thoroughly researched, engagingly written, and very well documented. One would be hard pressed to find a relevant topic that has not been addressed by one of the 650+ articles or touched upon by the numerous excerpted texts. In short, this is an outstanding reference set on an important, though sadly neglected, aspect of American history. Therefore, this set is highly recommended for purchase by all public and academic libraries.—Michael F. Bemis, Independent Reference Book Reviewer