America the Brave

The “American dream,” a promise of the ability to turn your life from rags to riches if you try hard in the United States of America, has been the definition of what it means to be an American. But over time it the American dream has changed and its pledge perhaps more viable than ever. This is due to the simple fact that America as a nation has evolved over time and the core values which its people encompass are a reflection of the times. So as an American how do we define ourselves and our nation outside of the American dream? America has been known over time as a “big brother”- protector of mankind. Yet many of our citizens did not have equal rights until the 1960’s and it took the fourteenth amendment to guarantee equal protection under the law for all citizens. So should America a country who for many years neglected the rights of its people be remembered as a land of freedom for its works overseas? Or are we condemned to the realization that over the course of history America has been a nation which promoted racism, sexism and inequality domestically for its people?
America has been involved in international politics since its foundation starting with its involvement in the war of 1812 concerning Great Britain’s policing of international waters. During the 1900’s America began an increased involvement in the affairs of Europe. In 1914 during the First World War, America joined the allied forces in stopping a war which started over the assassination of archduke Ferdand and many tangled alliances. After the conclusion of the war America began loaning money to countries who had amassed debts as a result of fighting alongside the allies. The bailout helped countries such as France after a costly war but more importantly also ...

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...ere overseas African American’s were forced to fight in all black regiments like the 394th Infantry Regiment. These all black regiments were often put on the front lines before any “white” men would lay down their lives. As a result they often had a greater casualty rate than traditional regiments during this war. Those who did survive the war came home to no changes concerning the struggle for civil equality. They were still treated as less than equals and were denied jobs and even proper recognition. Although many of these men risked their lives during the war this did not change anything domestically. Yet America chose to embark in a war of over thirty years with the Soviet Union instead of fixing their problems at home. The struggle for equality only intensified thereafter coming to a climax during the 1960’s. While America fought in Vietnam African americans