Empire Of Borders: The Expansion Of The US Border Around The World

The United States has long been a nation of immigrants, and its borders have expanded and contracted over time to reflect the changing demographics and geopolitical realities of the country. In recent years, there has been a renewed focus on border security, and the US government has taken steps to expand its border patrol and build a wall along the US-Mexico border.

However, the expansion of the US border is not just a physical phenomenon. It is also a legal and conceptual one. The US government has claimed jurisdiction over vast tracts of land outside its territorial boundaries, and it has used its military to enforce its claims. This expansion of US power has had a profound impact on the lives of people around the world.

Empire of Borders: The Expansion of the US Border Around the World

by Todd Miller

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1001 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	305 pages

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The Historical Expansion of the US Border

The first major expansion of the US border came with the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. This purchase doubled the size of the United States, and it gave the US control of the vast Mississippi River basin. The Louisiana Purchase also included the Oregon Country, which the United States later claimed as its own.

The next major expansion of the US border came with the Mexican-American War in 1846. This war resulted in the US acquiring the present-day states of California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico. The US also gained control of the Rio Grande Valley and the Mexican Cession, which included parts of what are now Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana.

The last major expansion of the US border came with the Alaska Purchase in 1867. This purchase gave the US control of the vast territory of Alaska, which is now the largest state in the Union.

The Legal and Conceptual Expansion of the US Border

In addition to its territorial acquisitions, the US government has also claimed jurisdiction over vast tracts of land outside its territorial boundaries. This includes the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba, the US Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.

The US government has also used its military to enforce its claims to jurisdiction over these areas. For example, the US invaded Cuba in 1898 and established a military government there. The US also invaded Puerto Rico in 1898 and made it a US colony.

The Impact of US Border Expansion on the World

The expansion of the US border has had a profound impact on the lives of people around the world. This impact has been both positive and negative.

On the positive side, the US has used its power to promote democracy and human rights around the world. The US has also provided economic aid to developing countries, and it has helped to improve the lives of millions of people.

On the negative side, the US has also used its power to exploit and oppress other countries. The US has intervened in the affairs of other countries, and it has supported dictatorships and coups. The US has also used its military to wage wars that have killed millions of people.

The Future of the US Border

The future of the US border is uncertain. It is possible that the US will continue to expand its border, either through territorial acquisitions or through the assertion of jurisdiction over new areas. It is also possible that the US will retreat from its global commitments and focus on its own domestic affairs.

Whatever the future holds, the US border will continue to be a source of debate and controversy. The US border is a symbol of the country's power, and it is a reminder of the complex and often contradictory role that the US has played in the world.

Empire of Borders: The Expansion of the US Border Around the World

by Todd Miller

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1001 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	305 pages

FREE