James G. Blaine: Architect of Empire

Biographies in American Foreign Policy

by Edward P. Crapol

In James G. Blaine: Architect of Empire , author Edward P. Crapol assesses Blaine's role as an architect of empire and revisits the ambitious imperialistic goals of this two-time secretary of state. Crapol examines Blaine's pivotal role in shaping American foreign relations and looks at some of the underlying reasons why the U.S. acquired an overseas empire at the turn of the century. This text will acquaint readers with how Blaine sought to win global economic supremacy and intended to transform the U.S. into the world's number one power. The book also lends insight into Blaine's efforts to spark energetic governmental action in revitalizing the merchant marine, building a first-class navy, using the coercive tactic of reciprocity, achieving unilateral control of an isthmian canal, and creating U.S. political and economic hegemony in the hemisphere. In addition, James G. Blaine: Architect of Empire takes a serious look at Blaine the Anglophobe and anti-British nationalist who defined Great Britain as the U.S.'s primary global rival and the chief obstacle to American economic and political dominance in Latin America and the Pacific. Finally, Crapol looks at Blaine as the transitional figure who helped forge the economic expansionist mentality that underpinned the late nineteenth-century burst of imperialism. James G. Blaine is an excellent resource for scholars and students interested in America's imperial past and the figures who played key roles in America's global economic development.

Genres: Biography, History

157 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Edward P. Crapol is a professor in the Department of History at the College of William and Mary. His appointments include: Assistant Professor of History, 1967-1971; Associate Professor of History, 1971-1978; Professor of History, 1978-1994; Chancellor Professor of History, 1994-1999; William E. Pullen Professor of History, 1999-2004; William E. Pullen Professor of History, Emeritus, 2004.

Reviews

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unknown today but a giant political force of the last quarter of the 18th century US. The biography is sharply drawn and fast paced.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edward Crapol provides a short but insightful book into the effect James Blaine had on the development of "American Empire" in the Gilded Age. From the house to his eventual triumphs as secretary of state in several administrations James Blaine "the man from Maine" developed many of the key ideas that would allow William McKinnley to be successful in annexing Hawaii, expanding American influence and the expansion of American trade through things like the open door policy. These were all things Blaine pushed for but lacked the ability to get through due to changes in administrations during his time. His unsuccessful runs for the presidency were usually matched by his ability to wind up as secretary of state where he did far more good than he would have otherwise done. He was an able administrator with thinking beyond his time that would transcend into the future according to Crapol. The biggest complaint about this book is that it does not go into enough detail and you find yourself wondering how some of the conclusions are reached since we don't hear about the debates in the senate or more about the proposed revolutions in Hawaii. It still provides an excellent look at what happened just without the details of why it happened. Overall it is at 4 stars due to the lack of detail.