James G. Blaine was an American politician who served as 21st President of the United States (1881 - 1889). His administration was the first two term republican administration. He advocated an expansionist foreign policy, annexing Hawaii and Samoa in 1881 and 1883 respectively, and leading America into the Spanish - American war (1885 - 1887) resulting in American territories in Guam, the Philippines and Puerto Rico being gained. The Blaine administration's actions led to a war scare with the Confederate States throughout his second term, particularly during the summer of 1886. He is a controversial figure in modern America, supported by neoconservatives and "hawks" because during his administration the United States became a major power on the world stage, but criticized by "doves" and Na