America's Role in the World

It seems hard to believe that just over 200 years ago the United States was little more than an extension of the British Empire. Yet the colonies managed to gain independence, develop a new government, and eventually turn their attention to western expansion and foreign affairs. As the country cycled through phases of isolationism and foreign activism, America became increasingly interested in shaping its place in the world in the 20th century. Emerging as one of two superpowers after two devast