Crucible of Power: A History of American Foreign Relations to 1913

(Paperback, Second Edition)

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Crucible of Power: A History of American Foreign Relations to 1913 presents a straightforward, balanced, and comprehensive history of American international relations from the American Revolution to 1913. Howard Jones demonstrates the complexities of the decision-making process that led to the rise and decline of the United States (relative to the ascent of other nations) in world power status. Howard Jones focuses on the personalities, security interests, and expansionist tendencies behind the formulation and implementation of U.S. foreign policy and highlights the intimate relationship between foreign and domestic policy. This updated edition includes revisions and additions aimed at making the book more attractive to students, teachers, and general readers.

Reviews

Howard Jones has written a definitive history of American foreign relations before 1913. He reminds us once again that U.S. foreign policy did not begin in 1898 as he develops a narrative that is detailed but never boring. Those often forgotten years come alive as he moves from the uncertain nation of 1783 to the powerful one of 1913. -- Anna Kasten Nelson, distinguished historian in residence, American University
Historians will welcome Jones's approach, one that evenhandedly addresses but does not belabor historiographical debates, but one that also gives more than just the facts. The survey provides context, analysis of the good and the bad, and a non-compartmentalized look at issues, people, and events. Jones demonstrates that, from Tom Paine to Teddy Roosevelt, Americans were concerned with surviving in a dangerous world by building and exercising power abroad. -- Thomas W. Zeiler, author of Ambassadors in Pinstripes: The Spalding World Baseball Tour and the Birth of the American Empire
A readable and comprehensive survey of American foreign policy from the time of independence to the eve of World War I. Jones interweaves traditional security and economic themes with the domestic considerations that drove the decisions of U.S. policymakers. At the same time, he reminds readers about U.S. idealismthe nation's confidence in its own system and societythat contributed to the making of a world's leader. -- Thomas M. Leonard
It is a pleasure to see the publication of Howard Jones's history of American foreign relations. The author has drawn from his own impressive contributions to illuminate the often neglected role of diplomacy in the nineteenth century. This well-written and well-balanced book merits the attention of all students of American foreign relations. -- Lawrence S. Kaplan, emeritus director, Lyman L. Lemnitzer Center for NATO and European Union Studies

Author Bio

Howard Jones is Research Professor of History at the University of Alabama. A recipient of both the John F. Burnum Distinguished Faculty Award for teaching and research and the Blackmon-Moody Outstanding Professor Award, he teaches courses in American foreign relations and the U.S.-Vietnam War.