Introduction
It is clear and true that a long journey starts with a single step towards an accomplishment and success. Milestone after milestone is all that America has taken not only to achieve its dreams, but to become the most powerful nation in the world. Notably, the road to these dreams coming has not been an easy and smooth sail. Everyday America has been gradually growing and making new steps in development in terms of economy, political, social, knowledge and religion. Some of these factors took a long course term while others took just little time for their effects to be realized. Revolution is defined as a gradual process that takes enough time to a total change. Likewise, America wouldn’t have been the giant without the attributes of numerous efforts, determination and persistent nature of its people. The Americans were full of vision and willing to become a part of the dream for a better nation. Changes came along with new development and issues such as the election of Abraham Lincoln as a President in 1809-1865. His election brought the end of slavery trade that had taken roots in most parts of the world. The end of slave trade in December 1865 was among the things that marked a new dawn to American dreams. The American civil war paved way for a new era of industrialization.
Industrialization
During 1865 a new era, called the age of industrialization, came into existence. Big cities such as New York experienced rapid growth, with a lot of immigrants coming from Germany, Italy and Britain. Emergence of enormous and fast growing industries, such as steel and oil companies and factories, propelled the nation economy to its scaling heights and made them the largest in the world. The American railroads grew rapidly and by 1900 there was 190,000 miles of railroads as compared to 9,000 miles by 1850. Edwin Drake, 1859, struck oil in Pennsylvania and soon there was a flourishing oil industry in Pennsylvania and an oil pipeline in 1865. During 1874 Levi Strauss started a clothing industry; he was making the riveted jeans. Growth did not only happen in industries, but also in the agricultural sector. The invention of a mechanical reaper, steel plough and successful self-governing windmill helped to start mass production of agricultural products. During this era, there was a conflict between America and Spain, because of the Panama Cannel. In 1902, President Theodore Roosevelt decided to build a canal across the independent nation of Panama, formerly a piece of Columbia, mainly for trade and defense. But unions of states started forming which only meant more power.
World War I
In 1914, the World War I began; the USA was neutral until 1917 when German attacks on American merchant vessels caused by Germany’s unrestricted submarine warfare began. These attacks compelled a defensive response from the American United States. Series of attacks by the American troops led by Commander General John J. Pershing forced the German government to surrender by November in 1918. In 1921, there began restriction of immigration into the USA after the Emergency Quota Act was passed.
Between the interwar, there was a great decrease in the growth and development. Most people lost their livelihood, such as homes and jobs. At that time democrat Franklin D. Roosevelt victoriously came into power in 1932. He came up with the New Deal policy that could help in combating the great depression. These policies consisted of unemployment benefits, workers’ rights, mortgage relief, and financial regulations. However, that decision wasn’t ideal for the wealthy class.
Prospects
By 1927, the number of homes with electric light was more than 67%. Availability of electricity in most places led to mass production of appliances such as radios, refrigerators and car manufacture. There was prohibition of alcohol that ended in 1933.
Capitalism
America witnessed increased employment opportunities and growth in 1945-1970. Even after World War II, the USA was the most powerful and the richest country in the world. Due to the Truman doctrine, the USA created partnership aimed at funding during war with the European countries.
In 1960s, American young people cultivated a distinct lifestyle, including vocabulary, music, and fashion. During this time, John F. Kennedy directed country’s energy towards military power and strengthened the US army. In 1963, Kennedy signed the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty.
Conclusion
Generations of presidency came with new changes, some good and others worse (from economic recession to the rapid growth). The Cold War finally ended with the collapse of the Soviet Union. President Bill Clinton efforts and skills led to a long economic growth of the USA. He had the idea of free trade, both in North America and internationally. Bill Clinton was succeeded by George Bush whose second term was full of financial crisis, until the election of Barrack Obama in 2007 turned the economy of America back to increase.