A Guide to American History
American history is a rich and diverse story that spans many events and eras. From the founding of America to its current role as a world power, there have been a lot of ups and downs along the way. There have been several major wars, economic booms and busts, technological advancements, and social changes that have shaped America.
Some events are well known, such as the Battle of Normandy during World War II or the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki during the war in the Korean peninsula. However, some lesser-known incidents are just as important to the overall story of America. For example, Benjamin Franklin discovered electricity as a result of his experiments with lightning.
One of the most enduring issues in American history was the debate over slavery and states rights. In the years after the War of 1812, this issue became increasingly divisive as northern and southern economies developed at different rates; abolitionists battled slavery defenders in courts of public opinion and sometimes with actual firearms; and political factions moved toward an unavoidable collision that would lead to the Civil War.
In addition, many of the most significant events in American history took place during a time of great social upheaval. The early 19th century saw the rise of abolitionist movements, religious and moral awakenings, and the development of a sense of national identity among Americans.
As a result, the American people have a strong bound that ties them together, regardless of their differences and disagreements. This bond is the reason why Americans have been able to defeat some of the most evil forces in human history, such as Nazi Germany in World War Two or communist North Korea in the Korean peninsula.
Other events that are considered milestones in American history include the formation of the first American political parties and their subsequent merger into the Democratic and Republican Parties; the establishment of the US Supreme Court decision that ruled segregation in schools to be unconstitutional, overturning Plessy v. Ferguson; and the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which aims to halt discrimination based on race, religion, colour, or nationality.
During the first half of the 20th century, the United States rose to global prominence through its participation in the First World War and the Second World War; a period of prosperity that is known as the Roaring Twenties; and a series of major crises, including the stock market crash of 1929, the Great Depression, and the Second World War. The United States also made major contributions to international peace and security through its involvement in the Cold War, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the Vietnam War. In addition, the United States has a long history of humanitarian aid and foreign policy activism around the globe. The Marshall Plan, for instance, is regarded as an outstanding success. Moreover, the US helped revive ailing post-war European economies by disbursing some $13bn over four years in support of their rebuilding efforts.