During the closing decade of the nineteenth century and the opening years of the twentieth century, the American Republic emerged, was accepted as a World Power, and became, without intending to do so, an empire of far-flung colonial possessions and subject peoples. It is the period of Grover Cleveland, William McKinley, and Theodore Roosevelt and one in which such men as Henry Cabot Lodge, John Hay, Elihu Root, and Captain A. T. Mahan—and yellow journalism— played important roles. During this period the war with Spain was fought, Cuba liberated, and the Philippine Islands, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico were acquired, all of which necessitated greater sea power and the construction of a Panama Canal. The achievements and changes, however, were accomplished more by circumstances than by design, more by the influence of party politics than by wise and farsighted statecraft which was so obviously lacking in both Spain and the United States.
In this volume Professor May has made a thorough and careful study of these developments and his research has been extensive and commendable. He has gathered his information from the archives of Washington, Madrid, Vienna, and the other European capitals, and has handled his findings with skill, balance, calm judgment, and understanding. His organization and presentation is of a high order. Students of this period will profit from his careful analysis. When the evidence is lacking or doubtful, the author skilfully makes use, perhaps too frequently, of such phrases as “it seems probable,” “it is likely,” “it could have been,” “the chances are,” “he may have believed,” and “he may have thought.”
The study includes an extensive treatment of the views and attitudes of the European governments and leaders of governments toward the emergence of the Republic as a major world power and empire and of the unsuccessful efforts of Spain to arrange those governments in her support against the United States.
The book is well organized in six parts and eighteen chapters with a wealth of footnote references which frequently seem cumbersome and even mountainous. It is a distinct contribution to the history of the period and the author is to be congratulated on its thoroughness and high quality.
