This edition to the Oxford American History series is different in that it focuses on a subject rather than a time period. Herring does a good job of showing the continuity in American foreign policy over the years, and underscoring where it has changed and how.This book is particularly good at presenting a balanced view of history. In each chapter, Herring deals with the history and the revisionist history and compares the viewpoints while adding his own unique analysis. From Colony to Superpower provides an overview of United States Foreign Relations from 1776 to the Post 9/11 period looking at not only the events that happened but their paradigm shifts in diplomatic philosophy as each administration came to power. These administrations could be comprised of Congress, Secretary of states, state department bureaucracies or most commonly the President but each is taken in the context of those who were making the decisions. It should also be noted that this book is part of the Oxford History of the United States which has traditionally looked at a single period in our history. This book follows the companion series that are common in Oxford although not labeled as such. It is very well written and comprehensive in its analysis of how the United States evolved from a colony to great power to super power to hyper power and how in each stage of its evolution it has changed and adapted to foreign policy situations.This book is divided into 10 chapters that break up the years but center on a theme during that time period to give the reader a context for the changing role the United States saw itself playing in those eras. For example the years of manifest destiny focuses on the expansion characteristics while the Gilded Age disabuses the notion of isolationism and focuses on the primarily trade negotiators that were occurring at that time. It should be noted that Professor Herring is a specialist in post world war II history so I know other readers have found some minor errors with his treatment of pre civil war diplomacy but none of this is major enough to distract from his points and is understandable given he is writing outside his area of expertise.Overall if you are looking for a comprehensive book on how through diplomacy we became the nation we are today this is the best place to start.
People who like this sort of thing will like this very much.
—Isaac
Yes that is right I finished this beast on foreign policy
—DanielaLA
Have to read for a class.... cover to cover in 3 months
—ladyd5379
Audiobooks FTW - should distract me on long walks....
—derp
Very am
—ladesadeldese
