Description
Book SynopsisFrom 1869 to 1877, the United States found itself deeply involved in the Caribbean as Washington sought to replace European influence and colonialism with an informal American empire. The Ulysses S. Grant administration primarily dealt with an uprising in Spanish Cuba known as the Ten Years' War that threatened to draw in the United States. The Cuban rebels used the United States as a base of support, causing conflict between Washington and Madrid. Many Americans, including Grant, wanted to replace Spanish rule in Cuba with a U.S. protectorate, but Secretary of State Hamilton Fish opposed American colonial entanglements. President Grant looked to expand U.S. interests in the Caribbean. He looked to acquire colonies to provide naval bases to protect the trade routes to a potential American built and controlled canal in Central America.Fish preferred to expand U.S. commercial interests in the region rather than acquiring colonies. At no time was he prepared to obligate the United States
Trade ReviewIf there is any doubt that Ulysses S. Grant’s presidency influenced the modern American nation, Stephen McCullough’s study of diplomacy during these years lays that matter to rest. McCullough provides insight into the foreign policy of the Grant years and how it foreshadowed the more dramatic century that followed. This important new book is a must read. -- John F. Marszalek, Mississippi State University
Table of ContentsChapter 1: A Failing Peace Effort: The US Mediation Offer of 1869 Chapter 2: The South and the Cuban War Chapter 3: Thorny Issues Chapter 4: “A Most Painful Affair”: The Santo Domingo Fiasco Chapter 5: “A Ripe Orange”: American Relations with Haiti Chapter 6: Neutrality Proclamation Chapter 7: Turbulent Years: 1870–1873 Chapter 8: The Virginius
