[x] Could not find that book.

From Colony to Superpower: U.S. Foreign Relations Since 1776

My rating:

add to my books

From Colony to Superpower: U.S. Foreign Relations Since 1776 (Oxford History of the United States #12)

by George C. Herring

4.09 · rating details · 99 ratings · 23 reviews

The Oxford History of the United States is the most respected multi-volume history of our nation in print. The series includes three Pulitzer Prize-winners, a New York Times bestseller, and winners of prestigious Bancroft and Parkman Prizes. From Colony to Superpower is the only thematic volume commissioned for the series. Here George C. Herring uses foreign relations as t...more

Hardcover, 1056 pages

Published October 28th 2008 by Oxford University Press, USA (first published October 24th 2008)

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

There is a good chance some of your friends read this book. Sign in to see!

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

This book is currently not featured on any Listopia lists. Add this book to your favorite list »

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 338)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Mar 09, 2009

Bradley rated it

i love big books and i cannot lie...
post-election i was itching for some historical insight into various aspects of our countrys grand relations with neighbors near and far, and this book has it all, from beginning to end! a very detailed account of foreign relations from revolution forward, this book could one day be regarded as a college text on us foreign policy. particular detail is committed to the usual suspects; the civil war, wwi and wwii, korea, vietnam et al. get the treatment in...more

· see review

Jun 18, 2009

Rebecca rated it

From a layperson's point of view, I found this book adequately interesting (though at times, tedious) and overall, helpful and informative. It covers precisely what it says it will, the U.S. Foreign policy from 1776 until just after the Iraq war surge of 2007.

Quite understandably, there is an extensive bibliographical essay at the book's end.

In the final two paragraphs, the author broke from the retelling and analysis of America's foreign policy, and wrote his own advice ...moreFrom a layperson's point of view, I found this book adequately interesting (though at times, tedious) and overall, helpful and informative. It covers precisely what it says it will, the U.S. Foreign policy from 1776 until just after the Iraq war surge of 2007.

Quite understandably, there is an extensive bibliographical essay at the book's end.

In the final two paragraphs, the author broke from the retelling and analysis of America's foreign policy, and wrote his own advice of what this country can do, and how it may yet be perceived:

"Americans must also 'disenthrall' themselves, to borrow Lincoln's apt word, from deeply entrenched ideas about their country and its place in the world. They must 'think anew, and act anew.' They must cast away centuries-old notions of themselves as God's chosen people. In today's world, such pretensions cannot fail to alienate others. They should recognize the historical truth that the United States in its dealings with other people and nations has not been uniquely innocent and virtuous. It has done much good in the world, but in its drive to superpower status it has often violated its own principles and inflicted harm on other peoples. Unilateralism served the nation well for its first century and a half, but in the vastly shrunken and still very dangerous world of the twenty-first century, it is simply not viable. Most problems are global in scope and require multilateral solutions. The United States cannot resolve them by itself and on its terms, and efforts to do so, as the Iraq war has made clear, will likely be counterproductive. The United States must be more prudent in the use of its still quite considerable power. In the aftermath of Iraq and Afghanistan, it must not withdraw from a seemingly hostile and ungrateful world. But it must also recognize that power, no matter how great, has limits. The nation cannot rid the world of evil, as it defines evil; it cannot impose its way on other peoples by military force or diplomatic pressures. 'The American idea can still resonate,' columnist Roger Cohen recently observed. But, he adds, U.S. 'leaders must embody it rather than impose it.' They must lead by example and especially by listening to other peoples and nations. The United States cannot dictate the shape of a new world order, but the way it responds to future foreign policy challenges can help ensure its security and well-being and exert a powerful influence for good or ill."

(less)

· see review

Jul 18, 2011

Al Velosa rated it

Did this one as an audiobook as I bicycled. Excellent!
An epic topic, the author succeeds in making us feel some of the contextual reality - particularly in the early stages of our nation's history. The book reminded me how fractious Luton Ito shaw always been and how typical our current partisan divides are. Yet he also highlighted how much these political cycles come and go, depending on the key issues our country faces at any particular time.
I like how the author also emphasized how ...more

· see review

Feb 04, 2012

Brian rated it

Shelves: american-history-general

From Colony to Superpower provides an overview of United States Foreign Relations from 1776 to the Post 9/11 period looking at not only the events that happened but their paradigm shifts in diplomatic philosophy as each administration came to power. These administrations could be comprised of Congress, Secretary of states, state department bureaucracies or most commonly the President but each is taken in the context of those who were making the decisions. It should also be noted that this book i...more

· see review

Jan 06, 2010

Ryan rated it

Shelves: history, politics, 100-in-2010

This book is exactly what I had hoped it would be. I had initially anticipated that an Oxford history of American Foreign Relations would be the straight man to Howard Zinn's American history rapscallion. The author's name is George C. Herring, a professor at the University of Kentucky, for crying out loud.

But I was pleasantly surprised at how forward-looking this hulking tome was. It treated Native American nations as actual countries that the USA had dealings with, was critically h...moreThis book is exactly what I had hoped it would be. I had initially anticipated that an Oxford history of American Foreign Relations would be the straight man to Howard Zinn's American history rapscallion. The author's name is George C. Herring, a professor at the University of Kentucky, for crying out loud.

But I was pleasantly surprised at how forward-looking this hulking tome was. It treated Native American nations as actual countries that the USA had dealings with, was critically honest about the intentions of US leaders and their various levels of preparedness and competence, and usually did a pretty amazing job of highlighting areas America ignored around the world - for better or for worse. This was not a textbook, to say the least. It's what everyone should read to give context to our place in the world.

Reading this has made me want to read in more detail about several periods of our history, such as our dealings in Central America and Cold War divided Europe. I'd also like to find out more about certain prominent individuals, such as FDR (and his cabinet) and Gen Winfield Scott (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winfield_Sc...). Scott, also known as Old Fuss and Futhers, fought in the War of 1812, the Mexican-American War, and the Aroostook War. What is the Aroostook War? It was a border dispute between Maine and Canada, which essentially amounted to a barroom brawl. Scott was dispatched, alone on horseback, to settle the dispute, end the "war," and presumably sober up the participants.

The book really makes the point that the United States' natural state is interventionist - and only has had periods of isolationism. For instance, the Marine Corps song that goes "From the Halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli" is something we tend to just hear and then not think about very hard. But it comes from the war with the Barbary Pirates against the nation of Tripoli in 1805 - the first land battle the United States fought on foreign soil. The "Halls of Montezuma" refer to the Battle of Chapultepec, in the Mexican-American war, where Marines landed in southern Mexico and marched straight to Mexico city, fighting insurgent warfare along the way (and in Chapultepec Castle - the Halls of Montezuma). Again and again you see that the mood that kept FDR from taking the USA to war against Nazi Germany was more anomalous than the natural state of the country. The book also describes how this is not always a good thing.

Highly recommended, if you don't mind a dense book that takes a while to finish.(less)

· see review

Oct 29, 2009

Tripp rated it

Well, I wrapped up the epic From Colony to Superpower, George Herring's epic one volume history of American Foreign Policy. It is a the only thematic book in the Oxford History of the United States. I, for one, loved it. The depth of treatment on the 18th and 19th century was wonderful. As we got to the post-war era, my extensive reading in the subject made it less useful, but still good. Good God, though, is this book long. Thanks to the length, this book is for a select group of people. If two...more

like 1 like

· see review

Oct 04, 2008

Cat rated it

Shelves: americanhistory

We've got a presidential election coming up. I thought it might be a good time to take a run through the entire history of United States foreign policy. And what better way to do so then the forthcoming edition of the Oxford History of the United States series- From Colony to Superpower: U.S. Foreign Relations Since 1776.

More than anything else, the President of the United States is responsible for this countries' foreign policy. The public isn't always so cognizant of that fact- Pre...moreWe've got a presidential election coming up. I thought it might be a good time to take a run through the entire history of United States foreign policy. And what better way to do so then the forthcoming edition of the Oxford History of the United States series- From Colony to Superpower: U.S. Foreign Relations Since 1776.

More than anything else, the President of the United States is responsible for this countries' foreign policy. The public isn't always so cognizant of that fact- Presidential elections tend to swing between domestic and foreign concerns depending on the whim of the public. If there is one thing that's clear from this book: as the United States has grown as a nation, presidents have gained more power over foreign relations and they've done more with that power. In fact, at times this book read more like a history of the President and his impact on foreign relations. Congress pops in and out of the story, public opinion makes an appearance here and there. Other then that it's President X did Y in Country Z.

Which is not to denigrate this exceptional, magisterial effort. Herring (or his graduate students) have managed to integrate virtually every available source on the subject of American foreign relations. At times, U.S. Foreign Relations is a positively heady experience. Herring and Oxford wisely keep the footnotes on the main pages instead of relegating them to an end section. It's a good decision- there's a new adventure on almost every page, and the foot notes are a handy guide to existing histiographical debates on different subjects involving U.S. Foreign Relations.

Herring's basic thesis is that the United States has been a sophisticated player on the international scene from the very beginning, by virtue of necessity. Herring has little patience for the concept of "American isolationism." Herring does an excellent work of explaining the transition from colony to young nation. As a young nation, the U.S. was an anomaly- not a European country, not a colony either. In the beginning, the U.S was kind an appendage to the European "balance of power" system. Many decisions by the U.S and countries like France & Britain were made because of events happening thousands of miles away.

Moving into the 19th century, the U.S. begins to assert itself in the western hemisphere- the war of 1812, Louisiana Purchase, Monroe Doctrine, the Mexican American War- through out Herring keeps the events rolling by and does well to give a sense of the decision makers, their backgrounds and their logic. It's an entertaining tableau that moves by too quickly, in my opinion.

A point that Herring makes- repeatedly- is that the process of "manifest destiny" was itself a tour de force of foreign relations. Ironically, "isolationists" don't often stop to consider that point. Merely acquiring the territory that constitutes the present U.S. required a lot of careful diplomacy.

By taking a chronological approach, Herring emphasizes oft overlooked transitional period in U.S. foreign policy which helps place better known eras in context. For example, his chapter on the Gilded Age serves as an excellent introduction to the Wilsonian era during and after the first world war. Woodrow Wilson emerges from this book as an obvious favorite of the author: his simultaneous quest to create a foreign policy based on principle and create a broader level of engagement between the U.S. and the rest of the world foreshadows much of what is to come in the 20th century.

I was surprised that Herring's analysis remained astute right up to the present day- typically books that end in the present trail off in terms of effectiveness' the closer they get to the present. He leaves us acknowledging the imminent decline of the U.S. as the world's so super or "hyper" power and asks whether we might not be entering a world where "third world" countries have become the rising powers of the 21st century.

Where does that leave this Presidential election? My take is that we should elect a President who does not look back to the Cold War and Post Cold War period, but rather someone who can help the U.S. regain it's "soft power" with countries that we have previously maltreated and/or ignored. Our new President should be able to effectively communicate with nations like India and Brazil and not be so bound up with the old world of Europe.

Although Bush's foray into nation building in Iraq may yet prove successful from a "national defense" view point, it has been a blood bath for our soft power, and we need someone who can help win that power back.(less)

· see review

Feb 24, 2011

Dan Leca rated it

Shelves: politics, history

I picked up this book for my US Foreign Affairs class this year. I can honestly say that I enjoy reading bits of history from this tomb of a book every time I pick it up. I've used it repeatedly as a source for my final essay, and also as a source for quality writing. It's simple, to the point and very well researched.

· see review

Nov 02, 2010

Michael rated it

Shelves: will-read-again

This book provides crucial context almost entirely absent from the way we learn history in the United States. Rather than focusing solely on a few pivotal events, this book is an continual look at our evolution as a nation, seen from the standpoint of how we handle foreign relations, covering even the "boring" periods and the presidents no-one can remember.

You'll be astonished how many times you'll read a sentence and have to remind yourself the events being described took pl...more

· see review

Mar 10, 2011

Adrian rated it

Shelves: american, history, nonfiction, politics-and-foreign-policy

Very thorough, detailed history of U.S. foreign policy and relations. Author has combined interesting insights with staggering depth for one volume study. A tad much for me, but I'll keep this one in mind for further research.

· see review

Jan 07, 2009

Michelle added it

Shelves: history, nonfiction

Neil says I have to do more "serious" nonfiction reading about history and earth science. I use this when I can't sleep--it does the trick. Nah, it's a solid piece, just not a page-turner.

· see review

Aug 11, 2011

Jason rated it

This book is long and dry. However, I learned more about US and diplomatic history from this single book than any other 3 sources combined.

· see review

Jan 07, 2012

Mike Emett is currently reading it

Have to read for a class.... cover to cover in 3 months

· see review

May 07, 2011

Paul is currently reading it

Audiobooks FTW - should distract me on long walks....

· see review

Jan 09, 2009

John marked it as to-read

Recommended by John Rogers

· see review

Dec 23, 2008

Kristen marked it as to-read

Read the first chapter, then it had to go back to the library--will finish later

· see review

Apr 08, 2010

Shannon rated it

Really good on the early stuff that you didn't know because who pays any attention in high school? But not so interesting on the later stuff that you might actually have lived through, like the Cuban missle Crisis.

Despite it's size, quick reading.

· see review

Nov 28, 2011

Theodore rated it

Shelves: history

Very am

· see review

May 18, 2011

Kmarion rated it

Shelves: history, favorites

A well balanced look into US foreign relations (1773-2007). I found it very thorough and informative. It's a big book, but it seems to go by fast. I'd recommend it to anyone wanting to get a good grasp on the history of US foreign policy. Oxford History delivers again.

· see review

Nov 04, 2008

Sarah marked it as to-read

I took two classes from Dr. Herring at the University of Kentucky. He remains my favorite teacher. He is insightful and witty. I am excited to read his book.

· see review

Dec 03, 2011

Papal Bull rated it

Shelves: history

This started out great but it became bogged down in the details. However I should have guessed with a book that has 1000 pages.

· see review

Apr 20, 2010

Bryan rated it

I enjoyed this book. I enjoy reading American History and I believe this book will added context to my future reading.

· see review

Apr 30, 2010

Eric rated it

Yes that is right I finished this beast on foreign policy

· see review

Feb 10, 2012

Michael added it · review of another edition

Feb 02, 2012

Lourdes marked it as to-read

Feb 02, 2012

Aaron Groh marked it as to-read

Jan 30, 2012

Shannon added it · review of another edition

Jan 30, 2012

Lynn marked it as to-read

Jan 29, 2012

Mark Johnson added it

Jan 29, 2012

Nate rated it

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 next »

Politics

8 users

History > American History

7 users

Non Fiction

5 users

Literature > American

2 users

See top shelves...

Readers Also Enjoyed

Books by George C. Herring

America's Longest War: The United States and Vietnam, 1950-1975

World War II: Total Warfare Around the Globe

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Pin It

Trivia About From Colony to Su...

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

title link	preview: From Colony to Superpower: U.S. Foreign Relations Since 1776
avg rating	preview: From Colony to Superpower: U.S. Foreign Relations Since 1776 Goodreads rating: 4.09 (99 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3028070-from-colony-to-superpower?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1267452737m/3028070.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3028070-from-colony-to-superpower?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]From Colony to Superpower: U.S. Foreign Relations Since 1776 by George C. Herring[/url]

From Colony to Superpower: U.S. Foreign Relations Since 1776 (Oxford History of the United States #12)

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (2)

Genres

Readers Also Enjoyed

Books by George C. Herring

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About From Colony to Su...

From Colony to Superpower: U.S. Foreign Relations Since 1776 (Oxford History of the United States #12)

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topicDiscuss This Book

combine Other Editions (2)

Genres

Readers Also Enjoyed

Books by George C. Herring

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About From Colony to Su...

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (2)