[Abridged] Presidential Histories 25.B.) William McKinley's American Empire, an interview with Robert Merry
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Feb 7, 2022 In this engaging discussion, Robert Merry, a veteran Washington journalist and author of five books, dives into the transformative presidency of William McKinley. He explores how McKinley's administration pivoted America toward imperialism, highlighted by the Spanish-American War and the annexation of Hawaii. Merry also delves into McKinley's subtle leadership style and the complexities of his foreign policies, igniting debates that resonate in today's geopolitical landscape. Discover how McKinley shaped America's global ambitions and left a lasting legacy.
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Spanish‑American War Was A Turning Point
- The Spanish-American War transformed the U.S. from continental power to one with overseas possessions and persistent global responsibilities.
- Merry calls it a profound turning point that permanently pulled America into world affairs.
Anglo‑American Rapprochement Emerges
- McKinley and John Hay fostered a special Anglo‑American relationship as the U.S. rose to rival Britain economically.
- Merry credits Hay's diplomacy for shaping the partnership that eased great‑power tensions.
Hawaii: Sugar, Strategy, And Empire
- Annexing Hawaii combined economic interest (sugar) with strategic necessity as a Pacific base for projecting power into Asia.
- Merry notes McKinley saw Hawaii as as crucial as California had been under Polk.
