The New Empire

The New Empire examines the rise of American economic and political power from 1860 to 1898. LaFeber traces how the United States transformed from a relatively isolated nation into a global imperial force during this period. The book analyzes the relationship between domestic economic expansion and American foreign policy in the late 19th century. Through archival research and historical analysis, LaFeber documents the roles of key political figures, business leaders, and economic forces in shaping America's path to empire. The study focuses on several pivotal developments, including the increasing need for foreign markets, the emergence of new technologies, and shifting diplomatic relations with other powers. LaFeber examines specific cases like U.S. involvement in Latin America, the Philippines, and China. This work presents the American rise to power as the product of internal economic pressures rather than mere accident or ideology. The book challenges traditional interpretations by emphasizing the systematic nature of American expansion and its deep roots in domestic economic transformation.

Readers consistently note the book's thorough research and detail on American economic expansion during 1860-1898. Many highlight LaFeber's clear explanation of how business interests and economic factors drove U.S. foreign policy decisions. Readers appreciate: - Clear connections between domestic economics and foreign relations - Documentation of business leaders' influence on policy - Analysis of the shift from continental to overseas expansion Common criticisms: - Dense academic writing style - Too much focus on economic theory for casual readers - Limited coverage of cultural and social factors Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (43 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (12 ratings) Representative review: "LaFeber presents complex economic concepts clearly but the writing can be dry. Important read for understanding American expansionism but requires dedication." - Goodreads reviewer Several academic reviewers note it works better as a reference text than a continuous narrative due to its detailed economic analysis.

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🔹 Walter LaFeber wrote "The New Empire" while teaching at Cornell University, where he eventually became one of the longest-serving professors in the university's history, teaching there for 46 years. 🔹 The book, published in 1963, challenged the then-dominant view that American imperialism began in 1898 with the Spanish-American War, arguing instead that it started in the 1860s through economic expansion. 🔹 LaFeber was part of the "Wisconsin School" of diplomatic history, which emphasized economic motivations in foreign policy rather than focusing solely on political and military factors. 🔹 "The New Empire" examines how the American Civil War's industrial expansion created domestic economic pressures that directly led to foreign market expansion and imperial ambitions. 🔹 The book won the Albert J. Beveridge Award from the American Historical Association, establishing LaFeber as one of the leading revisionist historians of American foreign relations.