US Wars in 20th Century

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Through its history, America has experienced a plethora of tragedies and victories, each making an impression on its identity. But as with all things, it did not evolve overnight into what it is. Politics are the brain of the country, but the people are the heartbeat. The direction of the former depends on the status of the latter and certain events affect the citizens of a country beyond repair. War shakes a nation to its core, transforming every facet of society. Sometimes it is for the better, but not every time. Throughout the last century the US has had the misfortune of going through three wars, each very different. The start of the century kicked off with World War I, giving the nation economic as well as societal changes, from the growth of Progressivism to the start of the journey for women's equality that would shape the political world of the 21st century. As for the next World War which came all too soon, it gave America the patriotism that was so long admired and the unity of thought on a national matter. Yet again, women in the war transformed their role in society, but this time even greater. However the economy did not fare so well, and suffered even more from Roosevelt's policies and massive tax implements affecting the the future decisions regarding the deficit and budget. To finish, Vietnam was an even greater disappointment to our nation. The riots and movements of the day regarding communism which was the enemy, and the open hate towards the soldiers from the media seriously hurt the war and the nations view of it. NOt to mention Nixon's feeding of the welfare beast and EPA. All in all, despite every other event of American history, very few have had as much of an affect on the nation politically as WWI, WWII ...

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...ca completely which would indeed change the nation both politically and socially. Finally, the Vietnam War was a rather disappointing one. Embarrassing the government, giving no support to the troops and transforming the education of our nation, it left an ugly mark that would never be fully erased. In conclusion, wars are perhaps the most influential factor in shaping a nation, and WWI, WWII, and Vietnam all had their share in making America what it is today.

Works Cited

1. "Re-Thinking History." Web log post. Http://re-thinkinghistory.blogspot.com/. N.p., 7 Oct. 2008. Web.

2. Schweikart, Larry, and Michael Allen. A Patriot's History of the United States: From Columbus's Great Discovery to the War on Terror. New York: Sentinel, 2004. Print

3. Lozada, Carlos. "The Economics of World War I." The National Bureau of Economic Research. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Apr. 2014.

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