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A Great and Rising Nation: Naval Exploration and Global Empire in the Early US Republic
A Great and Rising Nation illuminates the unexplored early decades of the United States’ imperialist naval aspirations.
Conventional wisdom holds that, until the Spanish-American War of 1898, the United States was a feeble player on the world stage, with an international presence rooted in commerce rather than military might. Michael A. Verney’s A Great and Rising Nation flips this notion on its head, arguing that early US naval expeditions, often characterized as merely scientific, were in fact deeply imperialist. Circling the globe from the Mediterranean to South America and the Arctic, these voyages reflected the diverse imperial aspirations of the new republic, including commercial dominance in the Pacific World, religious empire in the Holy Land, proslavery expansion in South America, and diplomatic prestige in Europe. As Verney makes clear, the United States had global imperial aspirations far earlier than is commonly thought.
Conventional wisdom holds that, until the Spanish-American War of 1898, the United States was a feeble player on the world stage, with an international presence rooted in commerce rather than military might. Michael A. Verney’s A Great and Rising Nation flips this notion on its head, arguing that early US naval expeditions, often characterized as merely scientific, were in fact deeply imperialist. Circling the globe from the Mediterranean to South America and the Arctic, these voyages reflected the diverse imperial aspirations of the new republic, including commercial dominance in the Pacific World, religious empire in the Holy Land, proslavery expansion in South America, and diplomatic prestige in Europe. As Verney makes clear, the United States had global imperial aspirations far earlier than is commonly thought.
- GenresHistory
312 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 2022
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December 7, 2024
Michael A. Verney has an intriguing premise and offers some valuable historical insights. However, the book is overshadowed by an overabundance of anti-white rhetoric, which distracts from the actual historical content. While it’s important to acknowledge the complexities of cultural interactions throughout history, the tone feels one-sided and detracts from what could otherwise be an engaging narrative.
History shows that stronger cultures have consistently dominated weaker ones—a reality of human civilization that could have been explored more objectively. If this book were rewritten with a more balanced perspective, it would merit a much higher rating. As it stands, the messaging undermines the potential of the work.
History shows that stronger cultures have consistently dominated weaker ones—a reality of human civilization that could have been explored more objectively. If this book were rewritten with a more balanced perspective, it would merit a much higher rating. As it stands, the messaging undermines the potential of the work.
Displaying 1 of 1 review