Andrew Bacevich wrote a book, titled The Limits of Power. In the first chapter of this book, The Crisis of Profligacy, Andrew introduces the breakdown of how America has become the society it is today. By discussing the improvements of currency, the war for independence, the “Freedom Decade” (civil rights moment), international relationships, and the “Empire of Production” period that America went through, it is apparent that it took precious time for this country to develop itself. From the beginning to the end of the chapter, he informs the reader about American history and how it’s history have shaped the habits of today.
During the process of trying to develop itself, America was also trying to develop power. The power that Andrew introduces to the reader is the power of wanting complete control. This country is obsessed with being the “mightiest” of them all. As a whole, the United States is willing to using any means necessary to continue to up-hold such standards. Through wars with each other, as well as with the rest of the world, it was slowly accomplished. However, the greediness of wanting such power eventually made America weaker. “As the prerequisites of the American way of life have grown, they have outstripped the means available to satisfy them,” (Bacevich, pg.17). The nation has become too wildly extravagant; even for them.
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