Honor in the dust : Theodore Roosevelt, war in the Philippines, and the rise and fall of America's imperial dream / Gregg Jones.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 382-420) and index.

America Rises. Call to arms ; "He is no tender chicken" ; America's Marine ; Manila Bay ; Guantánamo Bay ; "It was war, and it was magnificent" ; The eagle spreads its wings. -- Imperial Glory. "White man's burden" ; Spring victories, summer stalemate ; "The Filipino Republic is destroyed" ; "A nasty little war" ; "Men of a bygone age" ; "Brave hearts and bright weapons" ; The Election of 1900. -- The bloody Work of Empire. "War without limits" ; The massacre at Balangiga ; Hell-roaring Jake ; "Kill and burn!" ; Death in the jungle. -- Questions of Honor. "Deeds of hideous cruelty" ; The trial of Major Waller ; "The President desires all the facts ; "Blood grown hot" ; Homecoming ; "Where is the line to be drawn?"

This work chronicles America's drive for empire at the dawn of the twentieth-century, culminating in the conquest of a fledging Asian republic. At the center of the story stands the dynamic Theodore Roosevelt, who pressures a reluctant President McKinley into war against Spain. The clash vaults America to world power and thrusts the nation into a war in the Philippines. On the eve of a new century, an up-and-coming Theodore Roosevelt set out to transform the U.S. into a major world power. The Spanish-American War would forever change America's standing in global affairs, and drive the young nation into its own imperial showdown in the Philippines. From Admiral George Dewey's legendary naval victory in Manila Bay to the Rough Riders' heroic charge up San Juan Hill, from Roosevelt's rise to the presidency amid national tragedy, to charges of U.S. military misconduct and torture in the Philippines, this work captures America's exuberant and at times painful coming of age in an era brimming with American optimism and confidence as the nation expanded its influence abroad.