Civic Buildings after the Spanish-American War

The book "Civic Buildings after the Spanish-American War" explores the US Federal Beaux-Arts architecture built in its newly acquired territories after the 1898 Spanish-American War, highlighting its connection to US exceptionalism and expansionism. It compares specific examples of Beaux-Arts civic architecture in the US and Latin America and studies architectural and urban design in other US possessions of the Progressive Era. The author argues that these buildings serve as evidence of the US's geopolitical, historical, and commercial meddling in the Americas and elsewhere.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 277 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2023
Publisher: University Press of Mississippi

Following the 1898 Spanish-American War, the United States embarked on a significant project of constructing federal buildings in its newly acquired territories, including Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. Over a century later, many of these grand Beaux-Arts-style edifices stand as testament to the enduring legacy of American exceptionalism and expansionism. In her book, Civic Buildings after the Spanish-American War, author Maria Eugenia Achurra G. delves into the architecture and urban design of these civic buildings as a backdrop for the United States' pursuit of dominance and influence.

The book begins by defining exceptionalism and its profound role in shaping the Federal Beaux-Arts architecture of the United States. It explores how this architectural style, characterized by its grandeur, ornamentation, and attention to detail, became a symbol of American power and prestige. Subsequent chapters compare specific examples of Beaux-Arts civic architecture across the continental US and Latin America, highlighting the unique characteristics and influences of each region.

Furthermore, the book delves into architectural and urban design from other US possessions of the Progressive Era, such as the former Panama Canal Zone and occupied territories like the Dominican Republic. Achurra G. examines how these territories were shaped by American ideals and policies, and how the architectural and urban landscape reflected the nation's expanding influence.

Through a comprehensive review of the work of relevant designers and architects, Achurra G. makes a compelling argument that these architectural examples epitomize the rich, expansionist intentions of twentieth-century Progressive America. These lingering buildings serve as intriguing material evidence of the United States' geopolitical, historical, and commercial meddling in the internal affairs of the Americas and elsewhere.

Civic Buildings after the Spanish-American War is a valuable contribution to the study of American architecture and urbanism. It offers a nuanced understanding of the role of federal buildings in shaping the nation's identity and expansionist ambitions. By examining the enduring legacy of Beaux-Arts civic architecture, Achurra G. sheds light on the complex and multifaceted relationship between the United States and its territories, highlighting the enduring impact of American exceptionalism on the world.

Weight: 222g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781496847584