American acquisition of the Philippines and Filipino resistance to it became a focal point for debate on American imperialism. In a lively narrative, Miller tells the story of the war and how it challenged America€s sense of innocence. He examines the roles of key actors€"the generals and presidents, the soldiers and senators€"in America€s colonial adventure.
€œThe most thorough, balanced, and well-written study to date of America€s imperial adventure in the western Pacific and the most persuasive analysis of the varied reactions of the American people to the military subjugation of the Filipinos. . . . [Told] with clarity, wit and a talent for the apt quotation.€€"Richard E. Welch, Jr., The New York Times Book Review
€œA triumph of research, synthesis and storytelling, this is the wisest book on its subject and, implicitly, a significant cultural critique of the United States at the turn of the century.€€"Peter Stanley, Asia
€œThe author€s balanced summary of the historiography of imperialism and the epilogue, which considers the Philippine/Vietnam analogy, are valuable features of the work. . . . Should remain the definitive account of these events.€€"Library Journal
€œWritten with clarity and argued with passion from a wealth of primary sources.€€"Jack C. Lane, The Journal of American History