"With a new preface by the author and an introductory note by Henry A. Kissinger"--Cover. Includes bibliographical references and index.
Contents:
1. The aspirant state, 1754-1836 -- The path to independence: The British and Americans defeat the French in America, 1754-1774 -- Independence: The Americans and French defeat the British in America, 1774-1789 -- Creating a new republic in the world, 1789-1809 -- Reconciling with Britain abroad, and with slavery at home, 1809-1836 -- 2. The predestined people, 1836-1933 -- Slavery: The house divided, 1836-1860 -- Civil War and reconstruction: The agony and triumph of the American union, 1860-1889 -- A new great power in the world, 1889-1914 -- The crisis of democracy: world war, isolationism, and depression, 1914-1933 -- 3. The indispensable country, 1933-1957 -- Toward America's rendezvous with destiny, 1933-1941 -- The victory of democracy in the West, 1941-1945 -- From world war to cold war, 1945-1951 -- The red scare and the free world, 1951-1957 -- 4. The supreme nation, 1957-2013 -- Peace and prosperity, 1957-1965 -- Vietnam and deĢtente, the beginning of the end of the cold war, 1965-1973 -- To the summit of the world, 1973-1992 -- Waiting for the future, 1992-2013.
Summary:
Black describes nine "phases" of the strategic rise of the nation, in which it progressed through grave challenges, civil and foreign wars, and secured a place for itself under the title of "Superpower." He discredits prevailing notions that our unrivaled status is the product of good geography, demographics, and good luck. Instead, he reveals and analyzes the specific strategic decisions of great statesmen through the ages that transformed the world as we know it and established America's place in it.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.