The History of America’s Near-Miss Empire
A new book about America's history of trying to buy Greenland, take Cuba, absorb Canada, and claim lands around the world.
How much bigger could America have been?
“A superbly written, timely examination of America’s imperial temptations.”
— Kirkus Reviews, starred review
America, but Bigger uncovers the strange, often-forgotten history of U.S. expansions that didn't quite make it.
The United States didn’t just take territory. It repeatedly came close to taking much more. Did you know?
- The Continental Congress invited Canada to become the 14th colony, and invaded when it didn't respond.
- American politicians once proposed annexing not just the Mexican territories of California and New Mexico, but all of Mexico.
- The U.S. explored acquiring Greenland more than a century before Trump.
- American adventurers briefly seized control of Nicaragua.
- Places around the world actively petitioned to join the United States.
Drawing on over two centuries of failed invasions, abandoned deals, and near-misses, the book shows how close America came to being much larger, and how those ambitions still resonate today.
More praise for America, but Bigger
“Kawar’s collection of near misses is a sharp geopolitical history, and America, But Bigger provides a fresh understanding of how nations take shape.”
— Publishers Weekly's BookLife Reviews
“This book is an eye-opening gem. It deserves a large readership.”
— Robert E. May, Professor Emeritus of History, Purdue University
“A book just endlessly fascinating, from start to finish.”
— Greg Berg, host of The Morning Show on NPR affiliate WGTD
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