In "Earning the Rockies," Robert D. Kaplan presents a complex view of American history, suggesting that the moral landscape of the nation is fraught with contradictions. He emphasizes that while America played a crucial role in saving humanity during major conflicts of the twentieth century, it was also founded on significant injustices, including slavery and the displacement of Native Americans. This duality creates an unresolved moral narrative that challenges the perception of the nation's identity.

Kaplan's examination highlights how these historical crimes are intertwined with America's achievements, suggesting that the country's role on the global stage is shaped by both its triumphs and its dark past. This inherent tension complicates the American story, making it difficult to reconcile the nation's contributions to freedom and human rights with the moral failings that have also defined its history.