The United States Becomes a World Power
Published on Dec 16, 2015
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PRESENTATION OUTLINE
Becoming a Country
The United States of America originally started as 13 colonies that were controlled by Europe. Eventually, Americans realized that they were being treated unfairly and they fought for their own freedom. The Revolutionary War was won by the Americans, who fought against Great Britain who at the time had the most powerful army in all the world.
Photo by Joaquín Martínez Rosado
The Aftermath
After Americans won the war, they were left with some decisions to make. Americans could decide if they wanted to joing together as a country, or sparate into individually governed states. After they decided they wanted to join together as a union they had to decide what their constitution looked like, how to separate the power throughout the country, and what to do with all of their land.
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A Country Divided
Once the United States of America had been formed, tensions between the north and the south rose, mainly due to the issue of slavery. All northern states had ban slavery by 1804 and switched to a more industrial way of life, while southerners relied more heavily on slaves. Southern states relied more heavily on slaves because their main business was agriculture.
How is it that a country started by farmers and colonists, weakened by regional tensions, and ripped apart by slavery becomes one of the most powerful countries in the world?
Photo by Ian Sane
Economics
The years following World War I were the years that America was first identified as the economic world power. Several things went into making America so economically advanced.
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Economics
One of the ways that America surpassed other countries economically was thanks to the Industrial Revolution. During this time period several inventions and more improved methods of producing things caused a massive increase in job opportunities and the creation of industries. These industries not only provided many jobs, but also allowed for the mass production of product. Which lead to America becoming the world's highest producer of goods. That product could then be shipped all over the county by railroads, which were constructed in earlier years.
Photo by Sörmlands museum
Economics
Railroads significantly helped the spread of industries, and the range of business service. Railroads allowed for goods from Chicago to be shipped all the way to San Francisco. With the ability to ship goods far range, businesses became corporations (a large collection of businesses often times in the same field of work) who could have locations all over the country. Many buildings also provided more job opportunities.
Photo by Noel C. Hankamer
Economics
Another way that economics were benefited in the United States was by foreign trade. Following World War I, our foreign investments increased sharply. This not only showed economic power, but was beneficial to the US because it provided equity of some businesses located in the countries that were invested in. These foreign investments both secured our economic position, but also continued to grow the economy.
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Military
Both World War II, and the Cold War were beneficial to America when developing its military superpower. Despite the massive amounts of money spent in both instances, the US came out on top. Bothe wars showed the true economic power of the states, as well as further developed and improved the military. During WWII, America went into a stage of production on an enormous scale. At this time, better methods and new types of equipment were created. This is thanks to the huge amount of money invested into the war, including research, production, and wages for troops. The Cold War was beneficial for similar reasons, as massive amounts of money were invested in military expansion/ research which in the long run benefited the US Army greatly.
Photo by Gil Laury
Land of the Free
Aside from having the most powerful military economy, America also had something more valuable... freedom. Since the creation of the constitution, America had obtained its most valuable asset of freedom. The continual amendments to the constitution, and system of checks and balances in the government kept Americans' freedoms safe. Throughout history, millions of people from other countries have left their homes and lives to seek out the freedoms and rights given in America.
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My Reaction
I love the story of America. It is the ultimate underdog story and it never seems to get old. We overcame the British government, who had the most powerful army in the world! That shows how when you have dedication and persistence you can achieve anything. We also overcame slavery, and mended our divided nation. We stayed strong through depressions, wars, internal conflicts, segregation, slavery and so much more. I love the fact that we are all free in America. The song American Oxygen really portrays the American dream, and it tells of the privileges that we sometimes take for granted. I am fascinated by the fact that a country created by determined farmers could become one that practically dominates the world. I am so grateful that I live in America land of the free.
Photo by theqspeaks
