The Gilded Age and Progressive Era both coincided with the emergence, and debate over, America as an imperial power, The same leaders lauded for domestic reforms were those who worked hard to expand American power overseas, and they were confronted at home by groups and individuals who, for a variety of reasons, believed that America was not meant to take or maintain imperial possessions.

Suggested Readings

• Documents and Debates, Vol. 2: Ch 20, “Progressive Foreign Policy: The Philippines,” documents A and B

Scholars

• Christopher Burkett, Ashland University
• Jennifer Keene, Chapman University
• Gregory Schneider, Emporia State University