Description
The rise of the United States as a global leader developed gradually over more than two centuries. From a small republic after independence, the United States became one of the world’s most powerful nations economically, militarily, politically, and culturally. After the Civil War, rapid industrial growth helped the US emerge as a major economic power. By the late 1800s, the US expanded overseas. WW II transformed the US into a true global superpower due to a large military, nuclear weapons and international alliances. After WW II, the United States and the Soviet Union competed for global influence during the Cold War. The collapse of the Soviet Union left the United States as the world’s only superpower characterized by dominant military strength, global trade influence, expansion of democratic ideals and leadership in international institutions. US global leadership has not been only military but includes economic and cultural Influence.
