James G. Blaine: Architect of Empire (Biographies in American Foreign Policy) [Paperback]

Edward P. Crapol (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0842026053 | ISBN-13: 978-0842026055 | Publication Date: November 1, 1999

In James G. Blaine: Architect of Empire, author Edward P. Crapol assesses Blaine's role as an architect of empire and revisits the ambitious imperialistic goals of this two-time secretary of state. Crapol examines Blaine's pivotal role in shaping American foreign relations and looks at some of the underlying reasons why the U.S. acquired an overseas empire at the turn of the century.

This text will acquaint readers with how Blaine sought to win global economic supremacy and intended to transform the U.S. into the world's number one power. The book also lends insight into Blaine's efforts to spark energetic governmental action in revitalizing the merchant marine, building a first-class navy, using the coercive tactic of reciprocity, achieving unilateral control of an isthmian canal, and creating U.S. political and economic hegemony in the hemisphere. In addition, James G. Blaine: Architect of Empire takes a serious look at Blaine the Anglophobe and anti-British nationalist who defined Great Britain as the U.S.'s primary global rival and the chief obstacle to American economic and political dominance in Latin America and the Pacific.

Finally, Crapol looks at Blaine as the transitional figure who helped forge the economic expansionist mentality that underpinned the late nineteenth-century burst of imperialism. James G. Blaine is an excellent resource for scholars and students interested in America's imperial past and the figures who played key roles in America's global economic development.

Editorial Reviews

Review

The book is highly recommended for courses in U.S. foreign relations as well as the history of the late nineteenth-century United States. (The International History Review )

Into his expert analysis of James G. Blaine's visions for expanding American power in the world, Professor Crapol has skillfully woven insights into the late-nineteenth-century roots of the 'American Century.' (Emily S. Rosenberg )

James G. Blain: Architect of Empire is a beautifully written, delicately nuanced, and sophisticated analysis not only of Blaine but of the entire period in which he was active. Professor Crapol places this major figure of American foreign policy firmly inside the development, ideological and economic, of a growing empire, transforming, in the process, standard accounts of nineteenth-century American 'isolationism.' The book should become required reading for everyone interested in U.S. foreign policy. (Young, Marilyn )

Crapol's bibliographical material shows the depth of his research and provides further sources for people to read. . . . It is an enlightening work and Crapol should be commended in shining fresh light on one of this nation's most brilliant politicians. (Bangor Daily News )

Product Details

• Paperback: 157 pages
• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers (November 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0842026053
• ISBN-13: 978-0842026055
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #991,938 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful, one of a kind, May 23, 2004

By 

Seth J. Frantzman (Jerusalem, Israel) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: James G. Blaine: Architect of Empire (Biographies in American Foreign Policy) (Paperback)

This wonderful study opens a new window on Mr. Blaine and his contributions tot he development of America. Many have looked towards TR as the 'imperial president' but this fine study shows that in fact the ideas and the machinery of 'empire' and expansion beyond the continent were being drawn up long before, in the late 1800s. Blaine used his influence on the navy and to encourage the movement into such spheres as the 'guano' islands, finally America was beggining to actually enfore the Monroe Doctrin, which had been enacted more then 50 years before.

This is an excellent study of America and one of its great 'forgotten' politicians, someone who everyone knew about in the 1800s but who many forgot by the 1920s. Exploring the picotal role of this man, this is a must read for any student of american history or anyone interested in Americas place in the world.

Seth J. Frantzman

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good but wish it had a little more detail, January 8, 2010

By 

Lehigh History Student (Bethlehem, PA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: James G. Blaine: Architect of Empire (Biographies in American Foreign Policy) (Paperback)

Edward Crapol provides a short but insightful book into the effect James Blaine had on the development of "American Empire" in the Gilded Age. From the house to his eventual triumphs as secretary of state in several administrations James Blaine "the man from Maine" developed many of the key ideas that would allow William McKinnley to be successful in annexing Hawaii, expanding American influence and the expansion of American trade through things like the open door policy. These were all things Blaine pushed for but lacked the ability to get through due to changes in administrations during his time. His unsuccessful runs for the presidency were usually matched by his ability to wind up as secretary of state where he did far more good than he would have otherwise done. He was an able administrator with thinking beyond his time that would transcend into the future according to Crapol. The biggest complaint about this book is that it does not go into enough detail and you find yourself wondering how some of the conclusions are reached since we don't hear about the debates in the senate or more about the proposed revolutions in Hawaii. It still provides an excellent look at what happened just without the details of why it happened. Overall it is at 4 stars due to the lack of detail.

1 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars James G. Blaine, June 10, 2007

By 

Wallace Murray - See all my reviews
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This review is from: James G. Blaine: Architect of Empire (Biographies in American Foreign Policy) (Paperback)

I am related to James G. Blaine and have read most books about him and his times. This was the best to date. Wallace Blaine Murray