Empire - (Groundwork Guides) by James Laxer (Paperback)

About the Book

The United States presides over the most far-flung imperial system ever established. This thoughful study compares the American Empire to those of the past, finding much can be learned from the fates of the British, Roman, Chinese, Incan, and Aztec empires. Rome, like the U.S., was a military superpower. And just as Rome's armies were stretched thin, so too are America's -- but Rome's leaders eventually gave up on conquering Scotland. Will the U.S. do the same in Iraq? Laxer draws ominous parallels with the British, who discovered too late that empire building ultimately threatens the health of democracy at home. Documenting how the American Empire works and what it means to the rest of the world, "Empire" asks: Does the American Empire bring stability to a troubled world? Or, like its imperial predecessors, does it impose inequality and oppression on humanity? And what happens when an empire tumbles?

Book Synopsis

A fascinating look at empires and imperialism, and the new kind of empire the United States has become. An excellent introduction for young adults.

The United States presides over the most far-flung imperial system ever established. Empire compares the American Empire to those of the past, finding that much can be learned from the fates of the British, Roman, Chinese, Incan, and Aztec empires.

James Laxer draws ominous parallels with the British who discovered too late that empire building ultimately threatens the health of democracy at home. Documenting how the American Empire works and what it means to the rest of the world, Empire asks: Does the American Empire bring stability to a troubled world? Or, like its imperial predecessors, does it impose inequality and oppression on humanity? And what happens when an empire stumbles?

"[The Groundwork Guides] are excellent books, mandatory for school libraries and the increasing body of young people prepared to take ownership of the situations and problems previous generations have left them." -- Globe and Mail

Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.1

Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.2

Determine a central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions or judgments.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.3

Analyze in detail how a key individual, event, or idea is introduced, illustrated, and elaborated in a text (e.g., through examples or anecdotes).

Review Quotes

"...a quick, clear look at past empires [and] an examination of the history and rise of the American empire." -- Globe and Mail

"...a unique offering for researchers..." -- Horn Book

"...an amazing read. From the very first page it reached out and caught me, pulling me into a long lost world full of ambitious lords and vast empires...four-and-a-half stars." -- Shuswap Market News

"An excellent primer for mature students and adults." -- Resource Links

"Each of the four well-written and engaging books in this valuable series provides a foundation for understanding an important subject relevant to current world stability and peace." -- Library Media Connection

"Empire provides an accessible overview of the imperial concept and is particularly useful in its description of American hegemony." -- CM Magazine

...a quick, clear look at past empires [and] an examination of the history and rise of the American empire.-- "Globe and Mail"

...a unique offering for researchers...-- "Horn Book"

...an amazing read. From the very first page it reached out and caught me, pulling me into a long lost world full of ambitious lords and vast empires...four-and-a-half stars.-- "Shuswap Market News"

An excellent primer for mature students and adults.-- "Resource Links"

Each of the four well-written and engaging books in this valuable series provides a foundation for understanding an important subject relevant to current world stability and peace.-- "Library Media Connection"

Empire provides an accessible overview of the imperial concept and is particularly useful in its description of American hegemony.-- "CM Magazine"