Is the Spanish–American War a turning point or a warning for American policy?
This provocative talk surveys the causes and consequences of America’s war with Spain, asking how far the nation should go in defending human rights abroad without abandoning its own democratic ideals.
Drawing on history, law, and political philosophy, it examines the Monroe Doctrine, the duty to intervene, and the risks of imperial expansion. The author argues for government by consent and warns against using force as a shortcut to national strength, liberty, and justice at home and abroad. The result is a thoughtful, readable challenge to readers who care about the direction of the United States.
- Insights into why the war occurred beyond mere politics or rhetoric
- Discussions of liberty, government by the people, and the dangers of imperial rule
- Analysis of domestic impacts, including labor and national identity
- Questions about the future of American policy toward colonies and distant lands
Ideal for readers interested in history, constitutional questions, and the moral debates surrounding national power.