How to Hide an Empire

A History of the Greater United States

By: Daniel Immerwahr

Narrated by: Luis Moreno

Length: 17 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

A pathbreaking history of the United States' overseas possessions and the true meaning of its empire

We are familiar with maps that outline all 50 states. And we are also familiar with the idea that the United States is an "empire", exercising power around the world. But what about the actual territories - the islands, atolls, and archipelagos - this country has governed and inhabited? In How to Hide an Empire, Daniel Immerwahr tells the fascinating story of the United States outside the United States. In crackling, fast-paced prose, he reveals forgotten episodes that cast American history in a new light.

We travel to the Guano Islands, where prospectors collected one of the 19th century's most valuable commodities, and the Philippines, site of the most destructive event on US soil. In Puerto Rico, Immerwahr reveals how US doctors conducted grisly experiments they would never have conducted on the mainland and charts the emergence of independence fighters who would shoot up the US Congress. In the years after World War II, Immerwahr notes, the United States moved away from colonialism. Instead, it put innovations in electronics, transportation, and culture to use, devising a new sort of influence that did not require the control of colonies. Rich with absorbing vignettes, full of surprises, and driven by an original conception of what empire and globalization mean today, How to Hide an Empire is a major and fully enjoyable work of history.

©2019 Daniel Immerwahr (P)2019 Recorded Books

Excellent Narration and Writtng

This book is worth your time and you will be sad when it’s over. New ideas and throughly researched

Real history is wild

Well researched and somewhat blunt look at America’s fascinating historical notes that still shake the world...

Reasonably balanced.

After reading some of the reviews I was half expecting a Liberal diatribe against every aspect of United States history - or at least an Oliver Stone-esque perspective of blaming all the worlds ills on anyone & everyone not deemed "progressive". In contrast the narrative seemed very well balanced. There are many dark episodes in the story of America (just as there are in every major power in history), & to gloss over them would be intellectually dishonest & belittling to those who suffered as a result. But all nations are composed of individuals some of who are charitable & honest & others who are grasping & incompetent. The book draws on both types of people. For my part I felt that the U.S.A was neither vilified nor deified. Instead it was examined rationally despite the author’s obvious passion towards certain topics. Overall all an excellent & enjoyable book. 👍🏻👍🏻

Interesting but political.

I had heard of this book from leftist sources. And indeed in the final chapter there are comments about current politics. I didn’t want to read yet more mindless “Trump Bashing” so I held back. However... It is really a history that Americans should know and leaves out some topics of Historical American policy. It also over emphasized Puerto Rico and the Philippines. It is also a series of 22 podcasts. Just like many books are collections of short stories. And the last chapter need not be read. And part 1 (Chapters 1-12) is pretty good. The writing is “political” because it assumes to can only come to the same conclusions as the writer. So as a history, pretty good. As a “political” book, not so much. The title is also sort of hinky. American Imperialism would be better, and it more or less gives you an insight into to all Empires. Going at least as far back as the Roman variety.

Insanely good.

Essential info for truly understanding the US as it is in history. Well written, well narrated and not as much of a downer as you might think. There are actually quite a few inspirational stories. All in all, a valuable read.

Amazing. Required listening for the Enlightened.

American History on The Fringes of the Map Where It Folds Back On The Mainland.

A different view of history

This book presents facts that are usually glossed over in most histories. The presentation is very compelling. Most of the material is quite relevant. The book also weaves together trends that have had an impact on present-day lifestyle.

A must read: history meets contemporary life.

One of best history books I’ve listened to. It has been a revelation beyond words. They should make high schoolers and college students read it. Everyone should read before they vote. Great narration too.

U.S. type of imperialism

If I was teaching a course on Imperialism, I would use this book. This book points out periods in history when the U.S. was participating in old style imperialism with the Philippines and Puerto Rico, and then shifts into the type of U.S. imperialism after WWII in which the U.S. posted military bases all over the world in exchange for economic and political power. It outlines both positive and negative effects on the populations affected, and the ignorance on part of the U.S. mainland population unaware that the U.S held territorial possessions outside of the U.S. mainland, even unto this day. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

Great book!

A really insightful book full of history. If you want a fuller knowledge of America's history and its relationship to weaker nations, this book will help fill in the gaps. Great narrator.