Twelve Men Who Expanded The United States Overseas

In the history of the United States, there have been numerous individuals who played significant roles in expanding the country's influence and territories overseas. These twelve men, through their vision, leadership, and determination, helped shape the United States into a global power. In this article, we will explore the lives and achievements of these remarkable individuals.

1. Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States, is known for his historic Louisiana Purchase in 1803. By acquiring this vast territory from France for a bargain price, Jefferson effectively doubled the size of the country. This expansion laid the foundation for westward expansion, further increasing the United States' influence beyond its original boundaries.

2. James K. Polk

James K. Polk, the eleventh president, is credited with the annexation of Texas in 1845, which sparked the Mexican-American War. As a result of this conflict, the United States gained vast territories, including California, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah, extending the nation's reach significantly westward.

Planting the American Flag: Twelve Men Who Expanded the United States Overseas

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3. William H. Seward

William H. Seward, Secretary of State during Abraham Lincoln's presidency, is renowned for negotiating the purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867. At the time, many mocked this acquisition, calling it "Seward's Folly." However, Alaska turned out to be a goldmine of natural resources, enhancing the United States' economic power and strategic positioning in the Pacific.

4. Theodore Roosevelt

Theodore Roosevelt, the twenty-sixth president, was a strong advocate for American imperialism. He oversaw the construction of the Panama Canal, a pivotal achievement that connected the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, providing a vital shortcut for international trade and military navigation. This project allowed the United States to exert its influence over Latin America and the Caribbean.

5. Woodrow Wilson

Woodrow Wilson, the twenty-eighth president, played a pivotal role in expanding the United States overseas during World War I. His leadership led to significant territorial gains, including the acquisition of territories in the Pacific such as Guam, Hawaii, and the Philippines. Wilson's vision for a new world order and his advocacy for self-determination shaped the international landscape.

6. Franklin D. Roosevelt

Franklin D. Roosevelt, the thirty-second president, skillfully navigated the United States through World War II, which had a profound impact on America's overseas presence. During his presidency, the United States gained strategic military bases, such as those in Okinawa, Japan, and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. These territories allowed the United States to project power globally.

7. Dwight D. Eisenhower

Dwight D. Eisenhower, the thirty-fourth president, oversaw the acquisition of the U.S. Virgin Islands from Denmark in 1917. This chain of islands, strategically located in the Caribbean, provided the United States with a key military outpost and strengthened its presence in the Americas.

8. John F. Kennedy

John F. Kennedy, the thirty-fifth president, faced numerous challenges during the Cold War. To counter Soviet influence, Kennedy implemented the Alliance for Progress, a cooperative effort with Latin American countries aimed at promoting economic development and democracy. This initiative expanded the United States' sphere of influence in the region.

9. Richard Nixon

Richard Nixon, the thirty-seventh president, improved relations with China through his historic visit in 1972. This landmark event paved the way for stronger diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries, significantly expanding the United States' overseas reach by fostering a relationship with one of the world's most populous nations.

10. Ronald Reagan

Ronald Reagan, the fortieth president, played a pivotal role in ending the Cold War. Through his policies and negotiations with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, Reagan contributed to the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the subsequent spread of democracy in Eastern Europe. This momentous achievement reshaped not only Europe but also the United States' global influence.

11. George H. W. Bush

George H. W. Bush, the forty-first president, led a successful coalition to liberate Kuwait from Iraqi occupation during the Gulf War. This military victory reinforced the United States' position as a superpower and signaled its commitment to maintaining stability in the volatile Middle East region.

12. Barack Obama

Barack Obama, the forty-fourth president, pursued a policy known as the "pivot to Asia," shifting the United States' focus towards the rapidly growing economies and strategic importance of the Asia-Pacific region. Through enhanced diplomatic engagement and increased military presence, Obama sought to solidify the United States' position as a prominent player in this vital part of the world.

These twelve men, through their visionary leadership and decisive actions, expanded the United States overseas and shaped the nation into a global power. From the Louisiana Purchase to the Panama Canal and the end of the Cold War, their contributions have had a lasting impact on America's position in the world. They are a testament to the ambition and determination of the United States to project its influence beyond its original borders.

Planting the American Flag: Twelve Men Who Expanded the United States Overseas

by Peter C. Stuart(1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3066 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	264 pages

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A few sea captains, a couple of college professors, a battle-hardened general, a senator, a congressman, and a knavish adventurer: What could such men have in common? In addition to an eye upon the broader world and a streak of independence, each had a vision of the United States as a model sovereign. All were part of an American effort to create an overseas empire—one that would avoid the mistakes of the European powers and redefine the face of imperialism.
Beginning with the 1839 voyage of Captain Charles Wilkes that opened American relations with Samoa, here are biographies of 12 men instrumental in the incorporation of America’s five island dependencies. Besides Wilkes, it covers Richard W. Meade III, who negotiated a treaty with Samoa; Albert B. Steinberger, premier of Samoa; Henry Glass, who took Guam for America; Nelson A. Miles, who led the 1898 conquest of Puerto Rico; B. F. Tilley, first governor of American Samoa; Joseph B. Foraker, first congressional overseer of the possessions; William A. Jones, anti-imperialist and reformer; Frank McIntyre, military administrator of America’s holdings; Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., governor of Puerto Rico; Paul M. Pearson, first civilian governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands; and Anthony M. Solomon, who inaugurated the acquisition of the Northern Mariana Islands in 1963.