Planting the American Flag

<p> A few sea captains a couple of college professors a battle-hardened general a senator a congressman and a knavish adventurer: What could such men have in common? In addition to an eye upon the broader world and a streak of independence each had a vision of the United States as a model sovereign. All were part of an American effort to create an overseas empire--one that would avoid the mistakes of the European powers and redefine the face of imperialism.</p><p> Beginning with the 1839 voyage of Captain Charles Wilkes that opened American relations with Samoa here are biographies of 12 men instrumental in the incorporation of America's five island dependencies. Besides Wilkes it covers Richard W. Meade III who negotiated a treaty with Samoa; Albert B. Steinberger premier of Samoa; Henry Glass who took Guam for America; Nelson A. Miles who led the 1898 conquest of Puerto Rico; B. F. Tilley first governor of American Samoa; Joseph B. Foraker first congressional overseer of the possessions; William A. Jones anti-imperialist and reformer; Frank McIntyre military administrator of America's holdings; Theodore Roosevelt Jr. governor of Puerto Rico; Paul M. Pearson first civilian governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands; and Anthony M. Solomon who inaugurated the acquisition of the Northern Mariana Islands in 1963.</p>