The United States of America - Summary on a Map

Summary

The video provides an extensive overview of American history, tracing the journey from early European settlements in 1750 to modern times. It covers significant events such as the War of Independence, the Civil War, industrialization, and the emergence of the United States as a global power. The narrative highlights key conflicts, territorial expansions, and social changes, including the abolition of slavery, civil rights movements, and the fight against communism. The summary concludes with America's role as a dominant global force and the challenges it faces in the contemporary world.

Takeaways

• 🌍 European settlers, primarily from Western Europe, arrived in North America around 150 years prior to 1750, displacing millions of Native Americans.
• 🇬🇧 The British colonies in North America, home to 1.5 million people by 1750, were divided into a trading-based northern economy and an agricultural southern economy dependent on slavery.
• ⚔️ The Seven Years’ War intensified tensions between the British and French colonies, ultimately leading Britain to take over New France and establish an Indian reservation.
• 🇺🇸 The American War of Independence broke out in response to British taxation, leading to the Declaration of Independence in 1776, with the U.S. gaining recognition in 1783.
• 🤝 France, Spain, and the Netherlands supported the U.S. in its fight for independence, helping to defeat Britain and shift territorial control.
• 🚂 Westward expansion continued in the U.S. after independence, leading to the displacement and mistreatment of Native Americans, including forced relocations and loss of territory.
• ⚖️ A deep divide developed between Northern states, which were abolitionist and industrial, and Southern states, which were agrarian and reliant on slavery, setting the stage for the Civil War.
• ⚡ The Civil War resulted in the abolition of slavery, but racial segregation and violence, notably by the Ku Klux Klan, continued to oppress African Americans.
• 💥 The United States became a global power after the Spanish-American War, acquiring colonies like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, while constructing the Panama Canal.
• 🚀 In the post-WWII period, the U.S. emerged as a superpower, engaging in the Cold War against the USSR, expanding its global influence, and experiencing domestic social movements for civil rights.

Q & A

What was the primary reason for European settlers coming to North America in the 1600s?

European settlers, primarily from Western Europe, came to North America fleeing poverty, famine, and religious and political persecution.

How did the Seven Years' War impact the relationship between Native American tribes and British colonists?

After the Seven Years' War, Native American tribes united to demand the departure of the British and the recognition of their own state, leading the British government to create an Indian reservation, which angered colonists who wanted to expand westward.

What were the economic differences between the northern and southern British colonies in the 18th century?

The northern colonies relied mainly on fishing and trade, while the southern colonies, with their ideal climate, focused on growing products like tobacco, rice, and cotton, often using slave labor on large plantations.

How did the Boston Tea Party contribute to the American War of Independence?

The Boston Tea Party was a protest against British taxes on tea, where colonists disguised as Native Americans threw tea into the ocean. This event heightened tensions, leading to the First Continental Congress and eventually the War of Independence.

What was the significance of the Louisiana Purchase for the United States?

The Louisiana Purchase, made by the United States from France, significantly expanded U.S. territory, leading to explorations that reached the Pacific Ocean and fueling westward expansion.

What were the primary causes of the American Civil War?

The American Civil War was primarily caused by the deepening divide between Northern states, which were industrial and abolitionist, and Southern states, which were agrarian and relied on slavery. The election of Abraham Lincoln, who opposed slavery, triggered the secession of Southern states.

How did the United States emerge as a global power after World War II?

After World War II, the United States emerged as a global power due to its economic and military strength, largely untouched by the war on its territory. It played a key role in creating the United Nations and engaged in the Cold War against the Soviet Union.

What were the consequences of the 1929 Wall Street Stock Market crash for the United States?

The 1929 Wall Street Stock Market crash led to the collapse of the U.S. economy, causing widespread bankruptcies, unemployment, and poverty. It also marked the end of the economic boom and triggered the Great Depression.

How did the Cold War influence U.S. foreign policy?

During the Cold War, U.S. foreign policy was focused on containing the spread of communism. This led to interventions in countries like Korea, Vietnam, and Afghanistan, as well as support for anti-communist movements worldwide.

What led to the United States' involvement in World War I?

The United States entered World War I after Germany attempted to form a military alliance with Mexico against the U.S. and began sinking U.S. merchant ships. These actions, combined with economic ties to the Entente powers, pushed the U.S. into the war.

Outlines

00:00

📜 Birth of a Nation: American Independence

In the mid-18th century, North America was a land of conflict and opportunity. The British established colonies along the East Coast, with 1.5 million people relying on fishing and trade in the North, and agriculture in the South, fueled by slave labor from Africa. Tensions rose as the British and French clashed over territories, and Native American tribes resisted British encroachments. The costly Seven Years’ War left Britain in debt, prompting new taxes on American colonists, sparking protests like the Boston Tea Party. This unrest led to the First Continental Congress and eventually the American War of Independence, where colonists, with French and Spanish support, fought against British rule. The United States of America declared independence on July 4, 1776, and, after years of conflict, gained recognition in 1783. The new nation adopted a constitution with a separation of powers but struggled with Native American relations and territorial expansions, including the Louisiana Purchase from France. Conflicts with Britain continued, but the U.S. shifted focus southward, acquiring Florida and sharing Oregon with Britain, while displacing Native American tribes further west.

05:05

🚂 Expansion and Division: The Road to Civil War

As the U.S. expanded westward, the displacement of Native American tribes continued, often with devastating consequences. Texas declared independence from Mexico and was annexed by the U.S., sparking the Mexican-American War, which resulted in the acquisition of New Mexico and California. The discovery of gold in California led to a population boom. The growing divide between the industrial, abolitionist North and the agrarian, slaveholding South intensified as both sides sought to impose their model on new states. Abraham Lincoln’s election in 1860 triggered the secession of Southern states, leading to the Civil War between the Union (North) and the Confederacy (South). The Union's victory in 1865 abolished slavery, but the post-war period was marred by racial segregation and the rise of white supremacist groups like the Ku Klux Klan. Meanwhile, the U.S. continued its westward expansion, acquiring Alaska from Russia and building transcontinental railways, which facilitated economic growth but further marginalized Native American communities.

10:07

🌍 Emergence as a World Power and the Great Depression

By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the U.S. had become a major global player, acquiring overseas territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines after the Spanish-American War. Industrialization and immigration fueled rapid economic growth, though wealth was concentrated among a few industrial magnates. Labor strikes and social unrest highlighted the harsh conditions faced by workers. The U.S. also pursued an interventionist foreign policy, establishing a presence in Latin America and the Pacific. The roaring 1920s brought prosperity, driven by mass production and consumer culture, but the stock market crash of 1929 plunged the country into the Great Depression. The economy collapsed, leading to widespread unemployment and poverty. Attempts to revive the economy included lifting Prohibition and introducing reforms to improve labor conditions. However, as World War II loomed, the U.S. began rearming and supporting allies like Britain and the USSR, eventually joining the war after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The war effort revitalized American industry, and the U.S. emerged from the conflict as a leading global superpower.

15:08

☢️ Cold War Tensions and Domestic Reforms

After World War II, the U.S. and USSR became the two dominant global powers, locked in a Cold War characterized by an arms race and ideological rivalry. The U.S. promoted capitalism and democracy, countering Soviet influence through initiatives like the Marshall Plan and military interventions in Korea and Vietnam. The space race saw the U.S. land the first man on the Moon in 1969, a significant victory over the Soviet Union. Domestically, the U.S. grappled with civil rights issues, as African Americans, women, and other marginalized groups fought for equality and better conditions. Social movements, including protests against the Vietnam War, shaped the nation’s cultural and political landscape. The Cold War reached a peak during crises like the Cuban Missile Crisis but eventually cooled as both superpowers sought détente. The eventual collapse of the USSR in 1991 left the U.S. as the sole global superpower, but new challenges, including terrorism and economic crises, continued to shape its role on the world stage.

Keywords

💡Seven Years’ War

The Seven Years' War (1756-1763) was a global conflict primarily between Great Britain and France. It had significant implications for North America, leading to British dominance over French territories. The war set the stage for rising tensions between the British colonies and Native American tribes, as well as between the British government and the American settlers, who were burdened with new taxes to pay off war debts.

💡Triangular Trade

The Triangular Trade was a transatlantic trading system that operated from the 16th to 19th centuries, involving the exchange of goods, slaves, and raw materials between Europe, Africa, and the Americas. In the context of the video, it highlights the role of African slaves in the southern colonies of the United States, where they were exploited by planters to cultivate cash crops like tobacco and cotton.

💡War of Independence

The War of Independence (1775-1783), also known as the American Revolutionary War, was a conflict between the American colonies and Great Britain. The war began as a protest against British taxes and trade restrictions and eventually led to the colonies declaring their independence. The video details how the war culminated in the founding of the United States of America, with support from France and other European powers.

💡Louisiana Purchase

The Louisiana Purchase (1803) was a land deal between France and the United States, in which the U.S. acquired approximately 828,000 square miles of territory west of the Mississippi River. This purchase, driven by the fear of losing the territory to the British, allowed the United States to expand westward, facilitating exploration and settlement in the newly acquired lands.

💡Civil War

The American Civil War (1861-1865) was a conflict between the Northern states (Union) and the Southern states (Confederacy) that seceded from the Union over issues including slavery and states' rights. The video emphasizes how the war led to the abolition of slavery, but also notes the subsequent emergence of segregation and the Ku Klux Klan, reflecting ongoing racial tensions.

💡Manifest Destiny

Manifest Destiny was the 19th-century belief that the expansion of the United States across the North American continent was both justified and inevitable. This concept is illustrated in the video through the westward migration of settlers, the displacement of Native American tribes, and the annexation of territories such as Texas, New Mexico, and California.

💡Cold War

The Cold War (1947-1991) was a period of geopolitical tension between the United States and the Soviet Union, characterized by an arms race, space race, and various proxy wars, without direct military conflict between the two superpowers. The video describes how the U.S. sought to contain the spread of communism through interventions in countries like Korea and Vietnam, and how this rivalry led to significant global political shifts.

💡Marshall Plan

The Marshall Plan (1948-1952) was an American initiative to aid Western Europe in economic recovery after World War II. The video mentions it as a key part of the U.S. strategy to rebuild and stabilize Europe, while also countering the influence of the Soviet Union and preventing the spread of communism in the post-war period.

💡September 11, 2001

September 11, 2001, marks the date of a series of coordinated terrorist attacks by the extremist group Al Qaeda against the United States. The attacks led to significant changes in U.S. foreign and domestic policy, including the launch of the War on Terror, military interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq, and increased security measures worldwide.

💡Industrial Revolution

The Industrial Revolution in the United States, occurring during the 19th century, was a period of rapid industrialization that transformed the American economy and society. The video highlights how advancements in manufacturing and transportation fueled economic growth, but also led to social inequalities, harsh working conditions, and labor unrest, setting the stage for later reforms and labor movements.

Highlights

In 1750, North America is largely populated by Native Americans, with British colonies established on the East Coast.

The British colonies have distinct economies: the North focuses on fishing and trade, while the South thrives on agriculture with crops like tobacco and cotton, supported by slave labor.

The Seven Years' War sees Britain defeating France, leading to the cession of New France to Britain and rising tensions with Native American tribes.

Colonists resist British taxes, leading to the Boston Tea Party and the eventual outbreak of the American War of Independence in 1775.

The United States declares independence on July 4, 1776, and after a series of battles, Britain recognizes American independence in 1783.

The new nation adopts a constitution with a separation of powers, establishing the framework for its government.

The Louisiana Purchase in 1803 from France doubles the size of the United States, fueling westward expansion.

The American Civil War begins in 1861 after Southern states secede following the election of Abraham Lincoln, leading to the eventual abolition of slavery.

The United States becomes an industrial powerhouse in the late 19th century, though wealth is concentrated among a small elite.

The United States emerges as a global power following its victory in the Spanish-American War, acquiring territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.

The United States enters World War I in 1917, contributing to the Allied victory and establishing itself as a creditor nation.

The Great Depression follows the 1929 Stock Market Crash, leading to widespread unemployment and economic hardship.

The United States joins World War II after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, ultimately helping to defeat Axis powers.

The Cold War begins after World War II, with the United States and the Soviet Union emerging as superpowers locked in an arms race and ideological conflict.

The 21st century sees the United States engaging in global anti-terrorism efforts, including wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, following the 9/11 attacks.

Transcripts

We begin in 1750 in North America.

It's been 150 years since settlers from Western Europe, mostly fleeing poverty, famine, or

religious and political persecution, first arrived on the continent.

Their arrival came at the expense of millions of native Americans

who lived there for thousands of years, mostly in tribes.

On the East Coast, Great Britain has established colonies inhabited by 1.5 million people.

The northern regions depend mainly on fishing and trade, while in the south,

the climate is ideal for growing products such as tobacco, rice and cotton.

Rich landowners - called the Planters - seize vast territories that they exploit by buying

slaves from Africa, via the triangular trade.

Further west, the Appalachian mountains form a natural boundary.

Beyond it, is the vast French colony, which lives mainly off the fur trade.

Tensions rise between the French and British colonies.

When the Seven Years’ War breaks out in Europe, Britain dominates and takes hold of New France.

Native American tribes living there unite to demand the departure of the British and

the recognition of their own state.

To calm the situation, the British government hurriedly carves out an Indian reservation

between the Appalachians, the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes.

This does not please the colonists who wanted to seize the opportunity to extend their territories to the west.

In addition, war proves costly for Britain.

The country expects its colonies to repay part of its debts through new taxes,

which further angers the settlers.

In Boston, in protest of taxes on tea, colonists disguised as Native Americans climb on board

British East India Company ships and throw out its tea cargo into the ocean.

With the situation tense, representatives from 12 colonies gather in Philadelphia

to organize the First Continental Congress.

They decide to boycott British goods.

The following year, the War of Independence breaks out, pitting the insurgents --

also called the patriots -- against the British and its loyalists.

On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress proclaims the independence

of the United States of America.

France sees an opportunity to avenge its defeat in the Seven Years' War.

Having invested heavily in its military fleet, the country has the means to compete with the Royal Navy.

France allies with the patriots.

Spain and the United Provinces of the Netherlands, in turn, go to war against Great Britain.

In 1783, the patriots prevail, forcing Britain to recognize the independence of the country.

The United States receives territories until Mississippi, while Spain seizes Florida.

This marks the first time a European colony gains independence.

The United States adopts a constitution based on a strict separation of powers.

The legislative power formed by Congress passes laws and budgets,

the judiciary with the Supreme Court upholds the constitution,

and finally there is the executive power with the US president, the head of government.

On the other hand, the 13 states retain sovereignty with their own constitution and governor.

It was decided to build the new capital, Washington, along the Potomac River.

In the West, each new territory with at least 60,000 free citizens would be allowed to form

a new state equal to the others.

Pioneers set off to relocate there, pushing back Amerindian tribes further west of the Mississippi River.

In 1800, France obtained Louisiana from Spain in exchange for the kingdom of Etruria.

But it proves difficult to protect this vast, far-away & relatively less known territory.

Fearing the loss of Louisiana to the United Kingdom in war, France decides to sell the

region to the United States.

Congress then funds expeditions to explore and reach the Pacific Ocean.

In Europe, France and the UK clash again.

The United States first tries to remain neutral, but following tensions with Britain, enters the war.

It fails in a bid to invade the colony of Canada, as a British maritime raid

reaches Washington and burns the city.

At the end of the war, the United States abandons its ambitions in the north

and focuses on the south where the Spanish Empire is in decline.

A military incursion in Florida allows -- after negotiations -- the annexation of the territory.

In the West, Oregon is shared with the United Kingdom.

East of the Mississippi, five Amerindian tribes are adapted to the settlers' sedentary

and agrarian lifestyle, but Congress nevertheless decides to take over the land

and pushes the natives to a reserve west of the Mississippi.

Thousands die of exhaustion on the way.

In Mexico, Texas, which is populated mainly by settlers from the United States, declares its independence.

After a war, the Republic of Texas is created and in 1845 is annexed to the United States.

But as the border is poorly defined, both countries are at war.

The United States prevails and takes the opportunity to annex New Mexico and California,

where the discovery of gold causes a rush that attracts hundreds of thousands of pioneers of all origins.

With the land route proving dangerous, private funds are invested in the construction of a railway in Panama.

The state of California is admitted, which does not have slavery.

Southern states are largely agrarian, and have slavery; while Northern states are industrial and abolitionist.

Both sides wish to extend their model to the new western states, causing the gap between them to widen.

In 1860, Abraham Lincoln, who is hostile to slavery, is elected president of the country.

In response, southern states secede from the United States one by one and band together

to proclaim the Confederate States of America.

Then begins the Civil War which pits the Unionists of the North against the Confederates of the South.

The North sets up a maritime blockade on the Atlantic coast, cutting out any potential

support from Europe and blocking cotton exports.

In 1865, the North prevails and takes the opportunity to impose its policies.

Slavery is abolished, and 3.5 million slaves are freed.

But African-Americans are now victims of segregation and racism, especially through the emergence

of Ku Klux Klan, a white supremacist organization.

Many migrate to the North, while others move to cities.

The Russian Empire fears losing Alaska to Britain, so chooses to sell the territory

to the United States.

To accelerate its conquest of the West, the government finances the construction

of transcontinental railway lines.

In the center of the country, the invention of new machinery allows intensive agriculture.

Vast plantations of wheat, corn and large pastures are set up at the expense of the

last 250,000 Amerindians who are kept on reserves.

On the other hand, the rich soil allows rapid development of industry.

The old continent, Europe, now views the United States as an El Dorado.

Fleeing poverty and religious persecution, many Southern and Eastern Europeans migrate

to the United States where they work as cheap labor.

But the economic boom only benefits a minority.

An elite group of industrialists grows rich quickly by establishing monopolies in sectors

such as steel, railways, oil and banks at the expense of workers and peasants,

including women and children working in harsh conditions.

Strikes and protests erupt demanding better conditions, but these are often met with violence

by private militias or the National Guard.

While European powers colonize a large part of the world, the United States also looks

to project its power on the international scene.

While annexing Hawaii in the middle of the Pacific, the country turns to Cuba

where there is a revolt against the Spanish.

The United States supports Cuban independentists.

After the mysterious explosion of a US Navy ship in the port of Havana,

war breaks out between Spain and the United States.

The United States wins, obtains the independence of Cuba and seizes Puerto Rico, Guam and the Philippines.

The country thus becomes a colonial power.

In Colombia, a French company begins construction of a canal that would connect the two oceans,

greatly shortening the journey between the US East and west Coast.

The United States buys the project and then intervenes to support the independence of Panama.

In return, the new government of Panama offers the United States a strip of land,

which helps complete the construction of the canal, inaugurated in 1914.

In Europe, World War I begins.

With workers and peasants on the frontlines, industry on the continent slows down.

The US industry takes advantage of this and -- despite the country’s neutrality in the war

-- sells on credit ammunition, food, clothes and automobiles to the Entente countries.

In response, Germany tries to impose a maritime blockade by sinking merchant ships in British waters.

In 1917, a German telegram destined for Mexico is intercepted, proposing a military alliance

against the United States.

This pushes the United States to go to war on the side of the Entente,

and 2 million soldiers are sent to European fronts.

116,000 soldiers lose their lives.

After the victory of the Entente, Europe finds itself indebted to the United States.

The economy of the US prospers.

In factories, improvements in the assembly line cause production to skyrocket and decrease prices.

The rise in purchasing power and credit results in a boom for the sale of cars,

all kinds of appliances, and bank shares.

Hollywood becomes a major industry with global influence.

Thanks to the sale of radios, music genres such as jazz become popular.

In New York mainly, night clubs open, stimulating the sale of alcohol.

The more conservative government tries to stem the phenomenon by voting for prohibition,

forbidding the production, transport or sale of alcohol.

In response, thousands of speakeasies spring up throughout the country.

Mafia networks seize the market and get rich quickly.

Meanwhile, the South misses out on this wave of prosperity.

Falling prices for agricultural products plunge the region into poverty.

The Ku Klux Klan comes back into prominence,

this time also targeting Catholics, Jews and immigrants in addition to African-Americans.

The organization reaches 5 million members, and is then banned after several lynching episodes.

In 1929, the Wall Street Stock Market crash takes place.

The US economy collapses.

In a few short years, a string of bankruptcies of companies and banks

pushes a quarter of the active population into unemployment.

Prohibition is lifted, and steps are taken to try to revive the economy and improve working conditions.

In Europe, World War II breaks out.

The United States, although officially neutral, prepares for war by reinstating military service.

In addition, the country sells arms mainly to the United Kingdom and the USSR.

In the Pacific Ocean, in order to curb the expansion of imperialist Japan allied to Nazi Germany,

the United States imposes upon the country an embargo on steel and oil.

In response, Japan launches a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, causing the United States to enter the war.

The country secretly embarks upon a research program to create the atomic bomb.

In 1945, the Allies overcome Germany.

The USSR and the United States then unite against Japan.

A ground invasion by the Soviets and the two atomic bombs dropped by the United States

on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki force Japan to surrender.

At the end of the war, the United States supports the creation of the United Nations whose primary

role is to maintain peace and security in the world.

Europe finds itself in ruins and is exhausted by war.

The United States and the USSR emerge as the two great world powers.

After World War II, the USSR and the United States try and peddle their influence in Europe.

The United States implements the Marshall Plan, while the Soviet Union supports pro-communist

governments in Eastern countries.

The old continent is found divided by the Iron Curtain.

The USSR and the United States engage in a cold war -- that is an arms race without direct confrontation.

The US, largely spared the ravages of war on its territory, has an industrial, economic

and military advantage.

Inside the country, federal officials sympathetic to communist ideas are dismissed.

Hollywood is also used to churn out anti-communist propaganda.

On the global arena, the country employs an interventionist policy, aimed at stemming

at all costs the spread of communism.

The US intervenes in Greece, China, and engages its military in Korea and Vietnam.

The Soviet Union, for its part, invests heavily to catch up with the US.

After developing atomic weapons of its own, it becomes the first country to send a satellite

into orbit, and further outdoes itself by sending the first man into space.

The United States then launches the Apollo program

which aims to send the first astronaut to the Moon.

In Cuba, an attempt to overthrow the new communist government fails.

The Soviet Union takes advantage to ally with the country, and installs nuclear missiles

on its territory, pointed at the United States.

Tensions build to a point where it seemed a third world war was imminent.

However, an accord is reached between the two world powers, resulting in the USSR withdrawing from Cuba.

Within the country, more and more civil rights movements gain momentum, forcing the government

to review its social policies.

African-Americans begin non-violent actions to combat segregation.

More and more women enter the workforce and demand equal pay.

Native Americans also fight for better conditions.

Moreover, with the US at war in Vietnam, students and hippie pacifist movements call for peace.

In 1969, the country sends the first man to the moon.

Worldwide, millions of viewers watch the event live on their television.

On the global arena, the United States tries to ease tensions.

It begins diplomatic rapprochement with China, and signs agreements with the USSR

to limit the global arms race.

In the Middle East, the US supports Israel in the Yom Kippur War,

for which it is then subject to an oil embargo imposed by OPEC countries.

In Vietnam, after negotiations, the United States withdraws their army.

Two years later, the Communists prevail in the country, tarnishing the image of the United States.

The USSR takes this opportunity to intensify its international policy.

The country occupies Afghanistan, and in reaction

the United States provides militarily support to the Mujahideen.

In Central America, US also intervenes in Nicaragua and Guatemala to counter communist revolutions.

Iran, after a revolution, becomes an Islamic republic that goes against US policy.

The latter strengthens its military presence in the Middle East to ensure the security of oil supply.

On the Soviet side, the USSR struggles to contain the revolutions in Eastern Europe.

With its economy in tatters, despite attempts at reform, in 1991, the USSR collapses,

marking the end of the Cold War.

The United States emerges as the only major world power.

Domestically, the population calls for more investment in the fight against poverty,

crime, gangs and drugs.

However, the US continues to primarily focus on its foreign policy,

showing an apparent willingness to become the world's policeman of sorts.

When Iraq invades Kuwait, which then held 9% of the known oil reserves in the world,

the United States forms a coalition and neutralizes the Iraqi army.

The US then establishes a list of countries considered as rogue and threatening global peace and stability.

These nations are subjected to blockades and embargoes.

Meanwhile, the military presence of an ally of Israel in the Middle East

bothers radical Islamists, including the terrorist group Al Qaeda headed by Osama bin Laden,

who is a former ally from the Afghan war.

US facilities and assets around the world are targeted by terrorist attacks.

On September 11, 2001, the United States becomes the victim of a large-scale terrorist attack on its territory.

Terrorism thus becomes the new enemy of the country.

But it proves more difficult to fight this war as terrorist organizations operate discreetly

in mobile networks without borders.

Having launched a war against the Taliban in Afghanistan,

the US hardens its stance against North Korea, Iran and Iraq,

which it considers part of an “Axis of Evil”.

A new war is launched against Iraq, but US troops - after quickly overthrowing the government

- find themselves fighting against several terrorist groups in the region.

In 2007, the subprime mortgage shock, followed by the financial crisis

plunges the global economy into turmoil.

The country tries to revive its economy, among other measures, by boosting the extraction

of shale oil on its territory.

Today the interventionist policy of the country is increasingly countered by rising powers

such as Russia and China.

The United States, however, remains the most powerful economy and military in the world.