The Danger of Dreams

The book explores the notion of American imperialism in early twentieth-century Latin America, arguing that perceived German threats were largely exaggerated. Through an analysis of archives from Germany, the U.S., and Britain, Nancy Mitchell reveals that the actions attributed to Germany were often a blend of bluster and American paranoia rather than a genuine challenge to the Monroe Doctrine. Ultimately, she contends that the fears of a German threat in the region were unfounded, reshaping the understanding of U.S. foreign policy during this period.