A nation acting on people beyond its borders without their consent is doing empire. The first arc, which we pretty much covered in episode three, he calls continental expansion, land theft, annexation, manifest destiny. And of course, the other crucial piece, the kidnapping and exploit ation of millions of enslaved people brought from africa. In 18 90, the us Census declares the frontier closed, meaning the task of seizing and establishing the continental united states is complete.
“America” and “empire.” Do those words go together? If so, what kind of imperialism does the U.S. practice, and how has American empire changed over time?
By host and producer John Biewen, with series collaborator Chenjerai Kumanyika. Interviews with Nikhil Singh and Daniel Immerwahr.
The series editor is Loretta Williams. Music by Algiers, John Erik Kaada, Eric Neveux, and
Lucas Biewen. Music consulting and production help from Joe Augustine of Narrative Music.