Preface:

By the early twentieth century the United States had emerged not only as the world’s major industrial power but also as one of the most formidable imperial powers. But how did this happen? And what were the most important influences? This course will explore the “making” of American empire from the founding of the republic up until World War One. We will look at how early political leaders imagined an empire on the North American continent and how that ambition was pursued in relation to Native Americans, Mexican territory, the trans-Mississippi West, African-American slavery, and the Spanish-American War.
This seminar is appropriate for teachers of history and social studies of all grade levels, as well as those who are interested in applying content from a crucial part of the story of the development of the United States.