ABSTRACT
National Geographic’s development needs to be seen within the context of a new American overseas imperialism and the emergence of a United States that was coming to see itself as a world leader in the arenas of economics, politics and civic culture. While actively participating in the rise of the U.S. as a global power, National Geographic, under the leadership of Gilbert H. Grosvenor, professed disinterest in politics, for the most part presenting a picture of global sunniness. This chapter examines National Geographic’s relationship with the nation – both the United States government and the “imagined community” of Americans.
