A Growing Nation

A Growing Nation

At the turn of the century many things were happening that would affect America in ways that would have never been expected. The 1900-1940 era would have truly been an exciting time to live in. Over these four decades Americans would face some of the

most difficult, and demanding trials in America's history. These decades helped to firmly establish the American identity and without them America would be vastly different. When looking at how these four decades helped to establish the American identity one must look at the events, and the economy.

The first year of the sparkling new decade would turn out to be a sad one for most Americans because on Sept. 6,1901, an anarchist, Leon Czolgosz, shot president McKinley. McKinley was Speaking at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, N.Y. when he received a gun shot wound that turned fatal on Sept. 14, 1901.( Grolier ) Although, this was a terrible way to start out the decade events in America were becoming so exciting and fast paced that the public soon overlooked the death of William McKinley.( Johnson, Deb ) The man that would follow in McKinley's footsteps was one of the most successful presidents in America's history. Theodore Roosevelt was truly a people's president. He fought the for the American people with exuberance, which gave the nation a president to be proud of.

During the first The first decade of the 20th century the economy was very unpredictable. New industries such the auto and telephone began to spring up all across America.( Grolier ). Which of course helped to raise the nations economy, but there were still many economic scares in this decade. An example of this would be May 9, 1901 the largest single-day decline in the stock market ...

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...nd perhaps the most important effect of the depression still lasting into today is the increase in presidential power because of FDR's actions in office.( Collins, Alan ) Other events that were happening around the world would soon lead America out of its "Great Depression." However, it was not during this decade that this happened, but in the next when the U.S. entered WWII.

Many great lessons can be learned from the events that conspired in America from 1900-1940. It is truly amazing to read and understand the struggles that our ancestors faced in this bold new Country. Hopefully we can look at this time period remember some of the great things that our ancestors accomplished, and worked through. If we Americans follow the example of the people who lived from 1900-1940 we will be assured of a bright future that places America in the head role of world affairs.