Manifest Destiny and Empire: American Antebellum Expansionism

Walter Prescott Webb Memorial Lectures

by John M. Belohlavek, Thomas R. Hietala

These six studies from the Walter Prescott Webb Memorial Lectures offer specific treatments of American antebellum expansionism. For Robert W. Johannsen of the University of Illinois at Urbana offers fresh insight into the meaning of the term “Manifest Destiny,” arguing for a broader definition. John M. Belohlavek of the University of South Florida takes a close look at the expansionist attitudes of Massachusetts politician, diplomat, reformer, and intellectual Caleb Cushing.

Genres: American History

179 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

John M. Belohlavek is emeritus professor of history at the University of South Florida.

Reviews

[Sammy Torres · Rating 4 out of 5]

This volume represents a valuable exposition of dominant attitudes undergirding notions of some of the toxic foundations and manifestations of American expansionism, the belief of manifest destiny, and institutional compliancy and fortification of white supremacy. Thematically, the text mentions the detrimental impact to marginalized and dispossessed groups such as Native Americans, Mexicans, and enslaved Africans, yet their voices for the most part remain relatively small and even silenced. Including their perspectives and perceptions regarding the prevailing cultural and political hegemonic consciousness would have offered a more robust insight into the toxicity of U.S. expansionism and triumphalism. A greater focus and connection to Neoliberal globalization would have also been a welcome and natural segway, yet thematically, the authors allude to the implications therein in the historical analysis. Despite these critiques, this is an excellent volume for what the editors set out to do: Critically analyze and interpret the foundations of manifest destiny and expansionsim.

[Ed Callahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of essays is a masterful exploration of various facets of American expansionism. This is a "must read" for history teachers, students, and anyone interested in this important period in American history.