A review by fetterov
Gangsters of Capitalism: Smedley Butler, the Marines, and the Making and Breaking of America's Empire by Jonathan M. Katz

5.0

A fascinating look at the beginnings of America's overseas imperialism through the eyes of Smedley Butler, a Marine who participated in military interventions all over the world. Katz weaves together Butler's story, the present day, and the time in between seamlessly. Although it isn't shocking as a reader in 2022 to learn about how capitalism and racism drove endless American-led violent conflicts in foreign countries, it was enlightening to have these events contextualized to the present day. There is much to learn from the life of Smedley Butler as a self-described "racketeer for capitalism." I would recommend this for readers with any interest in history and/or its reflections in present day events.