Yes. The United States qualifies as an empire—it's expanded through territorial annexation, military intervention, and political control over foreign lands since the late 19th century.
So what actually makes an empire, and where does the US fit in?
An empire isn't just about size—it's when one power controls vast territory through formal annexation or informal domination. The US fits this model perfectly. Consider its overseas expansion beyond the mainland, military bases scattered across the globe, and the way it shapes other nations' policies through economics, diplomacy, and military might. Historians like Niall Ferguson and Max Boot haven't been shy about calling the US an empire. They point to its global reach and control over distant regions as clear evidence.
Where did America's overseas empire actually come from?
It all kicked off in 1898 after the Spanish-American War. The Treaty of Paris handed the US Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, while Hawaii got formally annexed that same year. Suddenly, America wasn't just a continental power—it had territories across oceans. By the mid-1900s, the list grew to include places like American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands. Some spots like Midway Atoll and Palmyra Atoll weren't just random acquisitions—they became crucial military outposts during World War II and the Cold War.
US Overseas Territories and Their Status (as of 2026)
| Territory | Location | Population (2026 est.) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puerto Rico | Caribbean | 3,221,789 | Unincorporated organized territory |
| Guam | Western Pacific | 171,000 | Unincorporated organized territory |
| U.S. Virgin Islands | Caribbean | 104,000 | Unincorporated organized territory |
| Northern Mariana Islands | Western Pacific | 47,329 | Commonwealth in political union with the US |
| American Samoa | South Pacific | 44,620 | Unincorporated unorganized territory |
| Midway Atoll | North Pacific | 40 | Unincorporated unorganized territory; wildlife refuge |
| Palmyra Atoll | Central Pacific | 4–20 | Incorporated unorganized territory; nature reserve |
| Baker Island | Central Pacific | <10 | Unincorporated unorganized territory; wildlife refuge |
What pushed America to become an empire after 1898?
The late 1800s brought a major shift in US foreign policy—often called the "imperial turn." America wanted strategic advantages: coaling stations, naval bases, fresh markets. The explosion of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor in 1898 and the resulting war with Spain delivered Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines on a silver platter. Hawaii got snapped up that same July to secure a Pacific foothold. The Philippines became America's gateway to Asia, while Puerto Rico and Guam anchored its presence in the Caribbean and Western Pacific. These moves were dressed up as bringing "civilization" and "democracy," but resistance flared fast—especially during the Philippine-American War (1899–1902).
Does America still act like an empire today?
Officially? No. But many scholars argue the US still shows classic imperial traits through its overwhelming military presence, economic clout via institutions like the IMF and World Bank, and cultural influence. The US runs over 750 military bases in at least 80 countries—what some call an "empire of bases." The twist? Unlike old-school empires, America doesn't formally annex most foreign lands (except its territories). Instead, it rules more like a hegemon—indirect control through alliances, trade deals, and military partnerships rather than direct colonialism. So while it's not a traditional empire, its global dominance sure feels imperial.
How does America's empire stack up against the old ones?
America's empire looks different. The British Empire ruled directly over millions in India, Africa, and the Caribbean. The Roman Empire expanded through conquest and settlement, making conquered peoples citizens. The US mostly grabbed sparsely populated islands and territories, with limited settlement. It held the Philippines until 1946 and Cuba until 1902 (though Cuba stayed under heavy US influence). By the mid-1900s, America pivoted from territorial empire to alliances—NATO, SEATO, bilateral defense pacts—cementing its role as leader of the "Free World" during the Cold War.
Wait, can America really be called an empire?
The US government has never used the word "empire" for its territories. But plenty of commentators—including historians like Max Boot and Arthur Schlesinger—have no problem slapping that label on it.
So what's the actual definition of an empire?
An empire is a major political unit where a single sovereign authority (the metropolis) controls vast territory or multiple territories—either through formal annexation or informal domination.
How long has America been an empire?
America has been an empire for 157 years.
Did the Cold War turn America into an empire?
Not exactly. Unlike Moscow, Washington led rather than ruled. It had democratic allies, not subordinates. So while America's global dominance grew, it didn't build an empire during the Cold War. "Hegemony" fits its role better.
Are there any empires left today?
Officially? No—just 190-plus nation-states. But the ghosts of old empires still linger. Many of today's most powerful states trace their roots back to those empires.
Which empire was the biggest in history?
The Mongol Empire takes the crown.
How old is the United States?
The US was founded in 1776, making it 243 years old as of 2019.
What are the seven US territories?
- Puerto Rico
- Guam
- U.S. Virgin Islands
- Northern Mariana Islands
- American Samoa
- Midway Atoll
- Palmyra Atoll
- Baker Island
Did the US ever own the Philippines?
America took control after the Spanish-American War, but the Philippines gained autonomy fast. By 1907, it had its first elected assembly. The Jones Act in 1916 promised eventual independence, and full sovereignty arrived in 1946.
What did America gain by becoming an empire?
In the process, it gained major influence over Cuba, annexed Hawaii, and claimed Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines as territories.
How did America become... well, America?
On September 9, 1776, the Continental Congress made it official: the new nation would be called the "United States" of America. That replaced the old "United Colonies" label.
What was the last empire standing?
The Roman Empire holds the record for longevity—it lasted over 1,000 years from 27 BC.
Who ruled the world the longest?
The Mongol Empire takes that title too.
What's the oldest country on Earth?
By most accounts, San Marino—a tiny landlocked country inside Italy—was founded on September 3, 301 BCE, making it the world's oldest.
Is Japan still an empire?
Japan's emperor remains the only current head of state with the title "Emperor." Naruhito has held the Chrysanthemum Throne since May 1, 2019, when his father, Emperor Emeritus Akihito, abdicated.
