This book examines the wartime controversies between Britain and America about the future of the colonial world, and considers the ethical, military, and economic forces behind imperialism during World War II. It concludes that, for Britain, there was a revival of the sense of colonial mission; the Americans, on the other hand, felt justified in creating a strategic fortress in the Pacific Islands while carrying the torch of "international trusteeship" throughout the rest of the world--a scheme that Churchill and others viewed as a cloak for American expansion. "Louis' book, as full of wit and insight as it is of information, will instruct every modern historian."-- American Historical Review "Looks very promising to use as an assigned reading."--Louis P. Towles, Campbell University William Roger Louis is at University of Texas, Austin.