Crucible of Power is an updated, revised version of Howard Jones's classic text Quest for Security: A History of U.S. Foreign Relations from 1897. This book, available again for use in the classroom, presents a straightforward, balanced, and comprehensive history of American international relations and the major events in the nation's foreign affairs from 1897 to the present. Crucible of Power demonstrates the complexities involved in the decision-making process that led to the rise and decline of the United States (relative to the ascent of other nations) in world power status. The book focuses on the personalities, security interests, and expansionist tendencies behind the formation and implementation of U.S. foreign policy and highlights the intimate relationship between foreign and domestic policy. The author also examines the historical antecedents of the nation's twentieth-century foreign policy. This volume relies on the natural chronology of historical events to organize and narrate the story as the nation's leaders saw it. Using this narrative approach, the tangled and often confusing nature of foreign affairs is uncovered without the illusion that in the past, American foreign relations took place in a well-ordered fashion. From this history, students will understand the plight of present-day policymakers who encounter an array of problems that are rarely susceptible to simple analysis and ready solution. A companion volume to this book, Crucible of Power: A History of American Foreign Relations to 1913 is also available. Crucible of Power is an indispensable core text for American diplomatic history courses and courses on twentieth-century American foreign policy.
This history textbook is VERY detailed. It resembles a newspaper on the inside, I say that because it is all black & white and it is not the type of textbook that has all of the definitions or key events in the margins. Each chapter in this textbook is roughly 30 pages, give or take a few.
Crucible of Power: A History of American Foreign Relations from 1897
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 15 years ago
Outstanding book. Well written, excellent references for each chapter. Describes many events that occurred during our lifetime. Should be required reading for all in public office including our president. What is so interesting is the relationship between nations on various issues, and the political effect on the decision process. Fascinating read. One of the best books I have. I have purchased 8 copies , to give copies to my friends
Great book on American foreign relations
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
I got this book for a class in college and it is so helpful. It is easy to read, easy to find specific topics, and it contains a wealth of information that any college student should have. I believe there is an updated version of this book which I would recommend getting since history is constantly in flux. I highly recommend this book to any history or political science student as well as any history buffs out there. It's an excellent resource.
Crucible of Power
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
Jones' book is presented in a very straight forward fashion. The information is presented extremely well and is easy to understand. I took Dr. Jones' American foreign policy class at the University of Alabama in 2006 and this book was the primary text used in class, obviously. The book goes in depth in issues from the digging of the Panama Canal to the end of the Cold War. His research is well thought out and is a great book for those interested in U.S. diplomatic relations or foreign policy.
Considers wartime and peacetime events and measures
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 23 years ago
Howard Jones' Crucible Of Power is an essential history of American foreign relations from 1897 to modern times, and should be considered a mainstay of any serious history and political science collection. It surveys America's growth from an emerging power in the 1890s to its dominance in modern global events, considering wartime and peacetime events and measures.
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