Charles R. Crane and Wilsonian progressivism

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This study explores the career of Charles R. Crane, a key figure in President Woodrow Wilson's administration. Following the U.S. entry into World War I, Crane engaged in significant diplomatic and fact-finding missions across various regions, including revolutionary Russia, the Western front, the newly formed countries from the Ottoman Empire, and postwar China. The author provides original insights into pivotal domestic and international decisions that shaped Wilson's presidency and its enduring legacy, particularly regarding Wilson's ambition to establish a new world order guided by American political and moral leadership. Crane emerges as a strong advocate for self-determination, whose opposition to colonialism predated Wilson's Fourteen Points. His alignment with Wilson stemmed from a shared commitment to reform and humanitarian issues, yet Crane's philanthropic vision enriches the narrative often criticized as mere Wilsonian idealism. The book's thematic organization, engaging narration, and extensive information make it a valuable addition to U.S. history scholarship. It is suitable for use in college or university courses, particularly in advanced American history, American political thought, and international relations.