Seizing Destiny

May 28, 2007
In an admirable and important addition to his distinguished oeuvre, Pulitzer Prize–winner Kluger (Ashes to Ashes,
a history of the tobacco wars) focuses on the “darker side” of America's rapid expansion westward. He begins with European settlement of the so-called New World, explaining that Britain's successful colonization depended not so much on conquest of or friendship with the Indians, but on encouraging emigration. Kluger then fruitfully situates the American Revolution as part of the story of expansion: the Founding Fathers based their bid for independence on assertions about the expanse of American “virgin earth,” and after the war that very land became the new country's main economic resource. The heart of the book, not surprisingly, covers the 19th century, lingering in detail over such well-known episodes as the Louisiana Purchase and William Seward's acquisition of Alaska. The final chapter looks at expansion in the 20th century. Kluger provocatively suggests that, compared with western European powers, the United States engaged in relatively little global colonization, because the closing of the western frontier sated America's expansionist hunger. Each chapter of this long, absorbing book is rewarding as Kluger meets the high standard set by his earlier work. 10 maps.

August 1, 2007
With an emphasis on diplomacy, Pulitzer Prizewinning author Kluger synthesizes the historical literature about Americas growth to continental dimensions in an informative thoughopinionated manner. His main action concerns boundary negotiations that American representatives held with Britain, France, Spain, and, subsequently, Mexico and Russia. After a summarizing blitz through colonial history, Kluger demonstrates presentational clarity in recounting the bargaining by Benjamin Franklin and John Adams that set the original 1783 borders of the U.S.Good maps consistently enhance the work as Kluger tracks high bids, low bids, compromises, and the diplomatic acumen of negotiators. The authors coverage of John Q. Adams extension of Americas boundaries in 1819 may be Klugers most interesting passages. They highlight a lesser-known but vital advance toward the Pacific Ocean, which after a25-year pause was resumed by the less diplomatic and more belligerent expansionism of President James Polk.Readers benefitnot onlyfrom Klugers reliable factualitybut also from his critical commentarieson territorial acquisitions. Whether they agree with his opinions or not, readers will respond tohis confident narrative.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2007, American Library Association.)