The Spanish-American War focused not only on foreign policy, but also on the nation's very essence and purpose. At the heart of this debate was a consensus on American nationalism. This book explains why the belief in exceptionalism still serves as the basis of American nationalism and foreign policy even in spite of more recent military failures.

"This first-rate account focuses on the debate over the Philippines just after the Spanish-American War, examining the arguments, pro and con, concerning US imperialism. The book is particularly strong on matters of definition and organization. Highly recommended." - CHOICE

Autorentext
Fabian Hilfrich is Lecturer for American History at the University of Edinburgh.

Inhalt
Democracy and Freedom Abroad Democracy and Exclusion: The Issue of Race Roads to Utopia: Exceptionalism, Mission, and Principles Democracy at Home: Democratic Sanction for Foreign Policy What is America? Doomsday Scenarios The Right to Dissent and the Meaning of Patriotism