Explore a clear, timely meditation on America’s role in a changing world. It argues for sober choices over quick conquest and explains why self-government at home must guide every foreign reach.
This address, delivered to the Stanford graduating class of 1898, surveys the era’s big questions: how should the United States grow its influence without losing its democratic core? It weighs the pull of imperial power against the duty to govern with restraint, and it compares American paths with England’s experience. The speech blends history, philosophy, and practical concerns about war, policy, and national character.
- Why victory abroad should be matched by strength of conscience at home
- Critique of imperialism and a call to preserve republican values
- The Monroe Doctrine, Alaska, and the costs of extending control
- Guidance on balancing national interests with a humane, steady leadership
Ideal for readers who want a thoughtful, accessible look at questions that still shape national policy and civic life.