Problems of Expansion As Considered in Papers and Addresses

** "Problems of Expansion" by Whitelaw Reid is a compilation of political writings from the end of the 1800s that examines the effects of America adding new lands after the Spanish-American War, paying close attention to Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. Reid explains the duties and problems that come with America growing its empire, highlighting America's moral and strategic duties in keeping control of these new lands. The beginning of the book gives a wide view of the discussions to come, showing the national argument about taking lands from Spain. It brings up worries about how these lands will be ruled in the future, the ethical problems of America getting involved, and whether the people in these territories could become states and what that would mean for the Constitution. Reid asks important questions about what responsibilities the United States has to the people in these taken lands and insists that the nation has a duty to set up a fair government in the areas that Spain was forced out of. His points prepare the reader for a detailed look at how America's role as a world power changed after the war. **