The Banana Wars

In 'The Banana Wars,' Lester D. Langley delves into the tumultuous history of the United States' involvement in Central America during the early 20th century, driven by the thirst for power and profit. Centering on the banana trade, Langley unearths the controversial interventions that shaped the region and left a lasting impact on its people. The narrative reveals the dark underbelly of corporate influence intertwined with American foreign policy, raising questions about morality and consequences. With vivid storytelling and meticulous research, Langley invites readers to explore how a seemingly simple fruit played a pivotal role in international relations. Discover the intricate dance of economics, politics, and ethics that defined an era, and reconsider the true legacy of the Banana Wars.

By Lester D. Langley

Published: 2002

The Banana WarsBook binding

Start Listening

0:000:00
Mike & Casey Show Logo

The Mike & Casey Show

Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts

You might also like →

The Lessons of HistoryBook binding

The Lessons of History

Will Durant, Ariel Durant

Voices of a People's History of the United States, 10th Anniversary EditionBook binding

Voices of a People's History of the United States, 10th Anniversary Edition

Howard Zinn, Anthony Arnove

A History of the WifeBook binding

A History of the Wife

Marilyn Yalom

The City in HistoryBook binding

The City in History

Lewis Mumford

The History of the Decline & Fall of the Roman EmpireBook binding

The History of the Decline & Fall of the Roman Empire

Edward Gibbon

A History of Economic TheoryBook binding

A History of Economic Theory

Jürg Niehans

A History of GodBook binding

A History of God

Karen Armstrong

A Brief History of Everything (20th Anniversary Edition)Book binding

A Brief History of Everything (20th Anniversary Edition)

Ken Wilber

A Short History of Nearly EverythingBook binding

A Short History of Nearly Everything

Bill Bryson

Hardcore HistoryBook binding

Hardcore History

Dan Carlin

The Natural History of ReligionBook binding

The Natural History of Religion

David Hume

A Little History of the WorldBook binding

A Little History of the World

E. H. Gombrich

Big HistoryBook binding

Big History

Cynthia Stokes Brown

A People's History of the United StatesBook binding

A People's History of the United States

Howard Zinn

Marriage, a HistoryBook binding

Marriage, a History

Stephanie Coontz

History of the WorldBook binding

History of the World

John Morris Roberts

A History of the World in 100 ObjectsBook binding

A History of the World in 100 Objects

Neil MacGregor

The Idea of Decline in Western HistoryBook binding

The Idea of Decline in Western History

Arthur Herman

A History of CivilizationsBook binding

A History of Civilizations

Fernand Braudel

A History of World AgricultureBook binding

A History of World Agriculture

Marcel Mazoyer, Laurence Roudart

The History of the Peloponnesian WarBook binding

The History of the Peloponnesian War

Thucydides

A History of the MindBook binding

A History of the Mind

Nicholas Humphrey

Invisible Armies: An Epic History of Guerrilla Warfare from Ancient Times to the PresentBook binding

Invisible Armies: An Epic History of Guerrilla Warfare from Ancient Times to the Present

Max Boot

The History of MoneyBook binding

The History of Money

Jack Weatherford

History of Western PhilosophyBook binding

History of Western Philosophy

Bertrand Russell

The Future Is HistoryBook binding

The Future Is History

Masha Gessen

A Brief History of Seven KillingsBook binding

A Brief History of Seven Killings

Marlon James

A Short History of Financial EuphoriaBook binding

A Short History of Financial Euphoria

John Kenneth Galbraith

Doubt: A HistoryBook binding

Doubt: A History

Jennifer Hecht

The Natural History of the VampireBook binding

The Natural History of the Vampire

Anthony Masters

Book Collections you might like →

Brandon Stanton's Book Recommendations

Brandon Stanton's Book Recommendations

Brandon Stanton is an American photographer and author, best known for creating Humans of New York, a photography project that shares the personal stories of everyday people. Through his portraits and interviews, Stanton captures the diverse experiences of people in New York City and around the world, offering intimate insights into their lives. Humans of New York has become a global phenomenon, with millions of followers on social media and several best-selling books. Stanton’s work has expanded beyond photography to include fundraising campaigns that have raised millions of dollars for individuals and charitable causes. His ability to connect with people and share their stories has made him one of the most impactful storytellers of his generation.

View Collection
Ezra Klein's Book Recommendations

Ezra Klein's Book Recommendations

Ezra Klein is a prominent American journalist, political analyst, and author, renowned for his incisive commentary on politics and policy. He co-founded Vox, a widely respected news website known for its explanatory journalism, and served as its editor-in-chief. Klein's work includes the critically acclaimed book "Why We're Polarized," which delves into the deep-seated divisions in American politics. He also hosts "The Ezra Klein Show," a popular podcast where he interviews thought leaders from various fields. Klein's contributions have significantly shaped contemporary political discourse and media consumption.

View Collection
Alex Honnold's Book Recommendations

Alex Honnold's Book Recommendations

Alex Honnold is an American professional rock climber, best known for his free solo ascent of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, a feat that was documented in the Oscar-winning film Free Solo. Honnold is renowned for his mental toughness, technical skill, and ability to climb without ropes or safety equipment. His accomplishments have made him a legend in the climbing world, and he continues to push the boundaries of the sport. Outside of climbing, Honnold is a philanthropist, founding the Honnold Foundation, which supports environmental sustainability projects, particularly in solar energy.

View Collection
Barack Obama's Book Recommendations

Barack Obama's Book Recommendations

Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States, serving from 2009 to 2017. As the first African American president, Obama’s leadership marked a historic moment in American history. His administration focused on healthcare reform, economic recovery from the Great Recession, and environmental policies. He is best known for the Affordable Care Act, as well as his efforts to expand civil rights and restore diplomatic relations with Cuba. Since leaving office, Obama has continued to engage in public life through his foundation, focusing on leadership development, civic engagement, and global issues.

View Collection
Jon Stewart's Book Recommendations

Jon Stewart's Book Recommendations

Jon Stewart is an American comedian, writer, and former host of The Daily Show, where he gained fame for his satirical take on news and politics. Stewart transformed The Daily Show into a critical voice in American media, blending humor with hard-hitting commentary on political and social issues. After stepping down from the show, Stewart has continued to advocate for causes like 9/11 first responders and veterans' rights. He is also a filmmaker, directing the political satire film Irresistible. Stewart remains a significant figure in American culture, known for his wit, activism, and influence on political discourse.

View Collection
Glenn Beck's Book Recommendations

Glenn Beck's Book Recommendations

Glenn Beck is a prominent American media personality, political commentator, and author known for his provocative and often polarizing views. He gained widespread recognition as the host of "The Glenn Beck Program," which aired on Fox News and later transitioned to radio and digital platforms. Beck is also a prolific writer, having authored multiple New York Times bestsellers, including "The Overton Window" and "Arguing with Idiots." His work often explores themes of American history, politics, and social issues, resonating with a conservative audience. Additionally, Beck founded Mercury Radio Arts, a multimedia production company, further solidifying his influence in both media and literature.

View Collection
Brad Feld's Book Recommendations

Brad Feld's Book Recommendations

Brad Feld is a prominent American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and author known for his influential work in the startup ecosystem. Co-founder of the Foundry Group, he has played a pivotal role in funding and mentoring early-stage technology companies. Feld is also a key figure behind the Techstars accelerator program, which has helped launch numerous successful startups. As an author, he has penned several essential books on entrepreneurship and venture capital, including "Venture Deals" and "Startup Communities," which provide invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and investors. His writings and active blogging have cemented his reputation as a thought leader in the tech and startup communities.

View Collection
Bill Gates's Book Recommendations

Bill Gates's Book Recommendations

Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft Corporation, is a pioneering figure in the tech industry, having played a key role in the personal computer revolution. His work at Microsoft, particularly the development of Windows, transformed software and computing globally. Beyond his technology contributions, Gates is also a prolific author, with notable works such as "The Road Ahead" and "Business @ the Speed of Thought," which offer insights into the future of technology and business. Additionally, his philanthropic efforts through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have had a profound impact on global health, education, and poverty. Gates continues to influence both technology and literature with his forward-thinking perspectives and innovative ideas.

View Collection
Alfred Lin's Book Recommendations

Alfred Lin's Book Recommendations

Alfred Lin is a venture capitalist and partner at Sequoia Capital, where he focuses on investments in consumer internet, enterprise, and mobile companies. Lin is known for his early investments in companies like Airbnb and DoorDash, helping them grow into major global brands. Before joining Sequoia, Lin was an executive at Zappos, where he worked closely with CEO Tony Hsieh to develop the company’s innovative culture and customer service model. Lin’s expertise in scaling businesses and his strategic vision have made him one of the most respected venture capitalists in Silicon Valley.

View Collection
Brian Armstrong's Book Recommendations

Brian Armstrong's Book Recommendations

Brian Armstrong is a renowned entrepreneur and author best known for co-founding and leading Coinbase, a major cryptocurrency exchange. His literary contributions include insightful writings on the future of digital currencies and blockchain technology. Armstrong's work has been pivotal in demystifying complex financial systems for a broader audience. Beyond his business acumen, his thought leadership in publications and public speaking engagements has cemented his status as a key voice in the fintech revolution. His dedication to innovation continues to influence the trajectory of global financial systems.

View Collection
Bernie Sanders's Book Recommendations

Bernie Sanders's Book Recommendations

Bernie Sanders is an American politician and U.S. Senator from Vermont, known for his progressive policies and his advocacy for economic equality. Sanders ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2016 and 2020, inspiring a movement with his calls for Medicare for All, free college tuition, and a $15 minimum wage. He identifies as a democratic socialist and has been a long-standing advocate for labor rights, environmental justice, and social welfare programs. Sanders’ candidacy energized a new generation of activists and has had a lasting influence on the direction of the Democratic Party. His focus on income inequality and social justice continues to shape political discourse in the U.S.

View Collection
Bill Burr's Book Recommendations

Bill Burr's Book Recommendations

Bill Burr is an American comedian, actor, and podcaster, known for his biting, no-nonsense style of humor that often tackles controversial topics with sharp wit. Burr has released several successful stand-up specials, including Paper Tiger and Walk Your Way Out, and is the co-creator of the animated sitcom F Is for Family. He also hosts the Monday Morning Podcast, where he shares his unfiltered thoughts on everything from current events to personal stories. Burr’s honest, raw comedic style has earned him a dedicated fanbase and has made him one of the most respected comedians in the industry.

View Collection
Jack Dorsey's Book Recommendations

Jack Dorsey's Book Recommendations

Jack Dorsey is an influential American technology entrepreneur and philanthropist, best known as the co-founder and former CEO of Twitter. While not primarily a literary figure, Dorsey's contributions to social media have revolutionized how information is disseminated and consumed globally. His work has indirectly influenced modern literature by providing a platform for writers, journalists, and thinkers to share ideas instantly. Additionally, Dorsey co-founded Square, a financial services and mobile payment company, which has impacted digital transactions worldwide. His innovative contributions have earned him recognition as a pivotal figure in the digital age.

View Collection
Ben Horowitz's Book Recommendations

Ben Horowitz's Book Recommendations

Ben Horowitz is a prominent American entrepreneur, investor, and author, best known for co-founding the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz. He made significant contributions to the tech industry through his leadership roles at Netscape and as co-founder of the software company Opsware, which was later acquired by Hewlett-Packard. Horowitz is celebrated for his insightful business book, "The Hard Thing About Hard Things," which provides candid advice on the challenges of entrepreneurship. His follow-up book, "What You Do Is Who You Are," explores the importance of company culture in business success. Horowitz's works are highly regarded for their practical wisdom and have influenced countless leaders in the tech and business communities.

View Collection
Adam Grant's Book Recommendations

Adam Grant's Book Recommendations

Adam Grant is a renowned organizational psychologist and bestselling author, celebrated for his influential work on motivation and workplace dynamics. He is a professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he has been the youngest tenured professor and earned numerous teaching awards. Grant's books, including "Give and Take," "Originals," and "Think Again," have been translated into multiple languages and have topped bestseller lists worldwide. His research and insights are frequently featured in major media outlets, and he hosts the popular podcast "WorkLife." Through his writing and speaking, Grant has profoundly impacted the fields of psychology, business, and education.

View Collection

Frequently Asked Questions