The Business of Empire: United Fruit, Race, and U.S. Expansion in Central America

The United States in the World

by Jason M. Colby

Jason M. Colby reveals the previously hidden history of struggle and negotiations that helped to shape the United Fruit Company's infamous attempts to exploit national, racial and other kinds of differences among workers.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, The United States Of America, Latin American History

288 pages, Paperback

First published October 27, 2011

Reviews

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly detailed analysis of the impact of U.S. corporate colonialism in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Panama through the lens of the United Fruit Company. Recommended for anyone seeking to understand the U.S. impact in the region outside of military power. Colby prompts us to consider the long-reaching effects of U.S. soft power and corporate presence on today's Central America.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title is a little misleading -- this book is pretty light on the "business" of empire, and it really focuses the most deeply on issues of race and immigration in Central America.

[Jacob Wilkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

In depth account of the role of corporations in US empire building. This book helped me understand the cultural differences between Central American countries.

[Fresno Bob · Rating 3 out of 5]

somewhat repetitive

[Haley Sluyter · Rating 1 out of 5]

fuck chiquita