As the United States grew in size and international stature, its influence could increasingly be felt around the world. Other nations eagerly formed trade alliances, while the U.S. backed its allies in two world wars, among other conflicts. Meanwhile, the U.S. also sought to influence foreign governments through means such as diplomacy, economic pressure, cultural exchanges, and even military intervention.

This two-volume set traces the history of America’s influence on foreign governments, including the Allied occupation of Japan after WWII under the leadership of U.S. General Douglas MacArthur; America’s role in occupying and reconstructing post-Nazi Germany, as well as its broader influence in reshaping post-war Europe; alliances such as NATO; and Cold War-era covert operations to overthrow regimes deemed undesirable to American interests, among many other examples.

 The material is organized into curated sections, each beginning with a brief introduction that examines the importance of the topic through a variety of historical documents. The documents contained within these sections provide an overview of the history and significance of each, and the wider ramifications felt not only in regards to the direct actions of the U.S., but how those actions helped shape the modern world. Documents examined include legislation, historical accounts, speeches, agreements, court cases, news articles, and more.