For much of its history, the United States focused on internal developments and expansion on the North American continent. That began to change in major ways around 1900 when the US became one of the big powers. It played a major role ending World War I, but then in many ways turned inward again. With and after World War II, the United States became the leading international power, politically, militarily, economically and ideologically. And to some degree, Henry Luce's vision of an "American Century" became true. After the end of the Cold War the United States seemed to be the only remaining superpower. In 1999, French foreign minister Hubert Védrine even spoke of a "hyperpower." Today, America's global hegemony seems to be coming to an end. This seminar will cover American foreign relations since around 1900: the main debates, ideas, and ideologies, developments, events and crises. Major emphasis will be put on working with primary documents.
- Trainer/in: Andreas Etges