ABSTRACT
This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the concepts discussed in the previous chapters of this book. The book reveals an American history of complex, frequently conflicting goals. A few Americans never wanted the country to expand. Some sought power, wealth, and glorious fame. Although many Americans dreaded war, the country's imperial ambitions required a standing army and an executive branch with sufficient "energy" to engage in combat or quickly make decisions like the Louisiana Purchase. The empire's domestic economy was also largely built by "others". Africans were taken across an ocean to become slaves. Most immigrants faced bias and oppressive working conditions. Now many of their descendants are dismissed as useless inconveniences. The book has also called into question the constitutional status of Puerto Rico, which is still not a State even though it has a large population on a significant land mass.
