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The Secret History of the American Empire: A Long and Winding Road

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Published in The Secret History Of The American Empire: The Truth About Economic Hit Men Jackals And How To Change The World (John Perkins Economic Hitman Series)

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The Secret History of the American Empire: The Truth About Economic Hit Men, Jackals, and How to Change the World (John Perkins Economic Hitman Series)

by John Perkins

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1666 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	373 pages

The United States has been a global superpower for over a century, but its rise to prominence was anything but smooth. This article delves into the complex and often controversial history of the American empire, from its humble beginnings to its current status as the world's most powerful nation.

The Early Years: Manifest Destiny and Expansion

The United States was founded on the principle of manifest destiny, the belief that it was destined to expand westward across the North American continent. This belief was fueled by a combination of factors, including the desire for land, resources, and power. In the 19th century, the United States acquired vast territories through war, purchase, and annexation, including the Louisiana Purchase, the Mexican-American War, and the Alaska Purchase.

The expansion of the American empire was not without its critics. Some argued that it was immoral to seize land from Native Americans and other indigenous peoples. Others worried that the United States was becoming too powerful and that its empire would lead to war and conflict. Despite these concerns, the United States continued to expand its territory and influence throughout the 19th century.

The Spanish-American War and the Rise of the United States as a Global Power

The Spanish-American War of 1898 was a watershed moment in American history. The war, which was fought over the issue of Cuba's independence, resulted in the United States acquiring Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. These acquisitions marked the beginning of the American empire outside of the Western Hemisphere.

The Spanish-American War also had a profound impact on American foreign policy. The war led to the United States adopting a more interventionist approach to the world, and it helped to solidify the country's status as a global power. In the years following the war, the United States played a major role in world events, including the First World War and the Second World War.

The Cold War and the American Empire

The Cold War, which lasted from 1945 to 1991, was a period of intense rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union. The Cold War was fought on many fronts, including the military, economic, and ideological. The United States and the Soviet Union competed for influence around the world, and they both sought to expand their empires.

The Cold War had a major impact on the American empire. The United States established a network of military bases around the world, and it provided economic and military aid to its allies. The United States also intervened in the affairs of other countries, often with disastrous results. The Vietnam War, which lasted from 1955 to 1975, is a prime example of the United States' failed attempts to impose its will on other countries.

The End of the Cold War and the American Empire in the 21st Century

The end of the Cold War in 1991 marked a major turning point in American history. With the Soviet Union no longer a threat, the United States was the world's sole superpower. The United States continued to intervene in the affairs of other countries, but it did so with less frequency and with more caution.

In the 21st century, the American empire has faced new challenges. The rise of China as a global power has challenged American dominance in the Asia-Pacific region. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have drained American resources and damaged its reputation. And the global economic crisis has forced the United States to reconsider its role in the world.

The Future of the American Empire

The future of the American empire is uncertain. The United States is still the world's most powerful nation, but its power is declining relative to other countries. The United States faces a number of challenges, including the rise of China, the global economic crisis, and the threat of climate change.

It is unclear how the United States will respond to these challenges. It is possible that the United States will continue to decline as a global power. It is also possible that the United States will adapt and find a new role in the world. Only time will tell what the future holds for the American empire.

The history of the American empire is a complex and controversial one. The United States has been a force for good in the world, but it has also made many mistakes. As the United States looks to the future, it must learn from its past and find a way to use its power for good.

The Secret History of the American Empire: The Truth About Economic Hit Men, Jackals, and How to Change the World (John Perkins Economic Hitman Series)

by John Perkins

4.6 out of 5