On the Waves of Empire: U.S. Imperialism and Merchant Sailors, 1872-1924

The United States acquisition of an overseas empire led to the reevaluation of boundaries between domestic and foreign, and nation and empire, and how this impacted maritime workers and labor organizations. William D. Riddell's book explores how these workers contested the U.S.s relationship to its empire, while capitalists in the shipping industry sought to impose their own ideas.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 18 July 2023
Publisher: University of Illinois Press

The United States' acquisition of an overseas empire following the Spanish-American War prompted a significant reevaluation of the boundaries between domestic and foreign affairs, as well as between nation and empire. In his insightful book, William D. Riddell delves into the experiences of merchant sailors and labor organizations to shed light on how domestic class conflict shaped the emerging imperial system of the United States.

Maritime workers found themselves navigating a complex web of boundaries that constantly shifted, forcing them to confront the collision of different labor systems and markets. To address these challenges, they formed powerful labor organizations such as the Sailors Union of the Pacific and the International Seamans Union of America. These organizations not only challenged the U.S. government's relationship with its empire but also sought to impose their own ideas on the shipping industry.

On the Waves of Empire is a sophisticated and innovative work that delves into the intricate relationship between maritime labor and shipping capital. Riddell explores how these two forces intertwined, tore apart, and re-stitched the seams of empire, shaping the course of American imperialism in profound ways. Through his detailed analysis, he provides a fresh perspective on the complex dynamics of power and labor in the era of empire-building.

This book is a valuable addition to the literature on American imperialism and offers valuable insights into the experiences of ordinary workers who played a crucial role in shaping the nation's imperial ambitions. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex web of factors that contributed to the rise and fall of American imperialism.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780252045165