territorial-imperialism

The chapter critiques the conventional 'logo map' view of the United States for excluding its overseas territories, thereby obscuring the full territorial and imperial extent of the 'Greater United States.' It highlights how these territories, often marginalized in political narratives and public consciousness, played significant roles in shaping national identity, military history, and global power. By recognizing the racial, political, and historical inequalities embedded in the U.S. territorial empire, the chapter calls for a more inclusive and accurate understanding of American history that integrates these often invisible lands and peoples.

The chapter examines the enduring nature of the U.S. empire through the complex and often contradictory legal statuses of its territories, highlighting how these ambiguities facilitate labor exploitation, political lobbying, and contested citizenship. It further explores how colonial legacies shape contemporary U.S. presidential politics, racialized perceptions of Americanness, and the ongoing political disenfranchisement of millions living in U.S. territories, all underscored by the global reach of U.S. military bases.