Positive Expectations of America's World Role

This book looks at America's place in history. It displays the realistic idealism evident in American presidents, and apparent throughout American foreign policy and all of its changes. This book also explores the particular cyclical trends which have influenced policymakers and prepared America for its developing world position. The author looks at the faith of American leaders and how the expressions of their faith relate to the challenges of events of the time, and the cycle of America's mood and priorities. Klingberg stresses the importance of the stability of American idealism during the peaks and plateaus of influence in America. Focus is on the forming years of America as an independent nation (1776-1824), on Lincoln and Wilson, the time period after World War II, and in the declining stages of the Cold War. Contents: Introduction: American Traits, Beliefs, and Cycles; The Colonial Outlook: Providence and Moral Law (1587-1776); The Revolutionary Period: Independence and a Democratic Republic (1776-1824); Rounding Out the Nation: Liberty, Land and Spirit, 1824-1871; America's Rise as an Industrial World Power: The Enlightenment (1871-1918); World Crisis for Freedom: Revolution and Realism (1918/19 - 1966/67); Conclusion: America's Record and Outlook; Bibliography; Index.