In the summer of 1898, the United States underwent a significant transformation as it expanded its influence by taking control of five territories—Guam, Hawaii, Cuba, the Philippines, and Puerto Rico. This rapid expansion spanned just fifty-five days and resulted in the domination of 11 million people. The speed and scale of this territorial acquisition were unprecedented in the history of nation-building and marked a pivotal moment in America's emergence as an overseas empire.

Stephen Kinzer, in his book "The True Flag: Theodore Roosevelt, Mark Twain, and the Birth of American Empire," explores this remarkable period that reshaped U.S. foreign policy and identity. The involvement of prominent figures such as Theodore Roosevelt and Mark Twain highlights the complex discourse surrounding imperialism, revealing both advocacy for and criticism against the expansionist ideology that defined this era. Kinzer's narrative sheds light on the implications of America's newfound status as a global power.