The American Age: United States Foreign Policy at Home and Abroad Since 1750 [Paperback]

Walter LaFeber (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 31, 1990 | ISBN-10: 0393956113 | ISBN-13: 978-0393956115

This discussion of American foreign policy provides an historical overview, but focuses on decisions made in the 20th century. The author provides an often provocative picture of contemporary diplomacy, with many allusions to literature, film and the arts.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

YA-- Based on the criteria of territory, population, economic strength, and natural resources, LaFeber argues that the United States has been a world power since its beginnings as a nation in 1776. As evidence, he offers treaties and alliances concluded with major European powers such as France, Holland, and Spain while the Revolutionary War was still being fought. This account of American foreign policy from its beginnings through the INF treaty with Russia in 1988 is both interesting and instructive. The generous use of maps, charts, political cartoons, annotated portraits, and photographs, along with the notes and suggestions for further reading at the end of each chapter, add to the usefulness of the book. Designed for use as a college textbook, this work is an example of scholarship at its best and would be helpful for students in honors American history classes and speech and debate groups, as well as serving as a reference source for teachers.
- Patricia Lilly, Holub Middle School, Alief, TX
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

LaFeber, a diplomatic historian and author of the acclaimed Inevitable Revolutions ( LJ 12/1/83), offers a well-written, comprehensive overview of U.S. foreign policy in the context of American social history. Like any work intended as a text and covering such a broad period, this is short on detail but does consistently develop themes useful in understanding the complex history of American foreign relations. In particular, LaFeber emphasizes the role of American eagerness for land and expanded markets betwen 1750 and the 1940s, the relative decline of U.S. power beginning in the 1950s, and a predilection toward isolationism that helped maintain freedom of action. Recommended for most libraries to supplement and update standards, e.g., Thomas A. Bailey's A Diplomatic History of the American People (Prentice-Hall, 1980. 10th ed.).
- James R. Kuhlman, Univ. of Georgia Lib., Athens
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 780 pages
• Publisher: WW Norton & Co (January 31, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0393956113
• ISBN-13: 978-0393956115
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #227,886 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.