The 20th Century and Modern Era
During the 20th century, the United States became a leading global democratic power through international conflicts and transformative civil rights domestic movements.
World War I and Woodrow Wilson
The United States entered World War I in 1917 under President Woodrow Wilson, who later championed the League of Nations and democratic self-determination.
Franklin D. Roosevelt and World War II
Franklin D. Roosevelt served as President during the Great Depression of the 1930s (introducing the New Deal) and through most of World War II.
- Pearl Harbor: On December 7, 1941, Japan attacked Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, drawing the US into World War II.
- Axis Powers: During WWII, the US and Allies fought the Axis powers: Japan, Germany, and Italy.
- Dwight D. Eisenhower: Served as Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, planned the D-Day invasion of Normandy, and later was elected the 34th President.
The Cold War and Subsequent Conflicts
After World War II, the United States entered the Cold War (1947–1991) against the Soviet Union. The primary national security objective was containing the global spread of Communism.
- Korean War (1950–1953): Defending South Korea against communist North Korea.
- Vietnam War (1955–1975): Long military intervention in Southeast Asia.
- Persian Gulf War (1990–1991): International coalition led by President George H.W. Bush to liberate Kuwait from Iraqi occupation.
The Civil Rights Movement
During the 1950s and 1960s, the Civil Rights Movement campaigned to end racial discrimination, desegregate public facilities, and ensure equal voting rights for Black Americans. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led non-violent marches and speeches, including the famed 'I Have a Dream' address.
September 11, 2001 & Modern Security
On September 11, 2001, al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked commercial airliners, striking the World Trade Center towers in New York City and the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. A fourth plane crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. This event sparked global counter-terrorism operations and the creation of the Department of Homeland Security.
American Indian Tribes Today
Today, hundreds of federally recognized American Indian tribes maintain sovereign tribal governments across the US, including the Cherokee, Navajo, Sioux, Chippewa, Choctaw, Pueblo, Apache, Iroquois, Creek, Blackfeet, Seminole, and Cheyenne.