THE CONQUEST OF THE WEST

This title leads one to expect a more extensive study of the picture of imperialism, American style, than the actual text supplies. While Dr. McCaleb starts with the Louisiana Purchase, and spans 50 years of American expansion, his focus occupying three quarters of his book- is on the story of Texas, the steps leading to conflict with Mexico, to Texas' struggle for independence, to annexation- and its math. The other facets of western conquest- the Oregon controversy, with Polk acc of playing the British game, and shifting attention to the southwest, is scarcely than etched in barest outlines. The part played by the forces that brought California into the Union are shadowy. The implications involving slavery and expansion are cated but not developed. The drama, the pattern of the text is largely concerned Texas' story, with the official attitude that we wanted Texas ""not from a desire obtain more territory but from a pervading conviction that it was necessary to the curity of the country"". Here are conniving political intrigue, clashing of domi personalities, of men like chary Taylor and Winfield Scott, the and short-sigh of the schemers who drove us into bitter conflict with Mexico, and gave Santa Anna his chance. And always, there's the background of the people moving west- adventurers, filibusters, frontiersmen, and a broad The book contributes greatly to a better understanding of some of that took us from Atlantic to Pacific. Documented by authentic source ""The Texas contem gives this immediate sales values.