Empire by Invitation

Discover the intricate history of American expansionism in Empire by Invitation by Michel Gobat, published by Harvard University Press in 2018. This compelling narrative spans 384 pages and delves into the life of William Walker, a fervent advocate of the United States' manifest destiny. Gobat meticulously traces the origins of the first U.S. overseas empire, focusing on Walker's audacious expedition to Nicaragua in the 1850s.

Initially driven by the desire to liberate the Nicaraguan people from oppressive elites, Walker and his band of filibusters quickly found themselves entangled in a dark chapter of history. What began as a mission of freedom transformed into a brutal reign of terror, highlighting the complexities of foreign relations and the consequences of imperial ambition. Empire by Invitation is an essential read for anyone interested in the intersections of history, politics, and the legacy of American intervention in Central America.