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Industrialization and Progressivism (1877-1920)
The early progressives rejected Social Darwinism. In other words, they were people who believed that the problems society faced (poverty, violence, greed, racism, class warfare) could best be addressed by providing good education, a safe environment, and an efficient workplace. Progressives lived mainly in the cities, were college educated, and believed that government could be a tool for change. -
Foreign Affair from Imperialism to Post WWI (1898-1930)
Economic and military competition from Europe helped to convince many Americans that the United States should become a world power.As Westward expansion slowed in the 1800s and Americans began looking overseas for New Markets. The economic and political domination of a strong nation over weaker nations is known as Imperalism. -
Prosperity, Depression, and the New Deal (1919-1941)
The Great Depression in the United States began on October 29, 1929, a day known forever after as “Black Tuesday,” when the American stock market–which had been roaring steadily upward for almost a decade–crashed, plunging the country into its most severe economic downturn yet. -
From Isolationism to World War (1930-1945)
During the 1930s, the U.S. government attempted to distance the country from earlier interventionist policies in the Western Hemisphere as well as retain an isolationist approach to events in Europe and Asia until the beginning of WWII.The United States mobilization of its economic and military resources during World War II brought significant changes to American society. Use of atomic weapons changed the nature of war, altered the balance of power and began the nuclear age. -
Cold War (1945-1994)
After World War II, Churchill called the “line” between US and allies (NATO) and Soviet Union and allies (Warsaw Pact) in Europe.East Germany (USSR) cut off West Berlin from rest of world. US airlifted supplies to West Berlin (see map).Warsaw Pact troops invaded to quell pro-democracy movements in governments. Totalitarian tactic to suppress opposition. -
United States and the Post-Cold War World (1991 to present)
An era ended when the Soviet Union collapsed on Dec. 31, 1991. The confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union defined the Cold War period. The collapse of Europe framed that confrontation. After World War II, the Soviet and American armies occupied Europe. Both towered over the remnants of Europe's forces.
