The 20th century is perhaps the most interesting period in American history. It is during this time that America faced a myriad of challenges, most of which positively impacted the nation and made it what it is today. The time period between the 1920s and 198os saw America face challenges, and the leadership of the time had to make decisions that would change its destiny forever. The nation took part in the major world wars recorded in history; the First World War, the Second World War and the cold war. the presidents and citizens alike made decisions, formulated Acts that saw the country turn around on some of the major crises it was facing to emerge a celebrated super power. This is not to say that the challenges were mere and it was definite things could happen like they did, but it took the civil rights movement, the presidents of the time, other countries and the citizenry to impact the changes experienced at the time. Yes indeed that time period foresaw mixed feelings about the changing trends and the traditions that had existed in America for the longest time.
Nationalism was one of the major areas of interest that Americans anticipated. Theodore Roosevelt set the pace for it as seen through his speech in 1910. This nationalism was seen as the way forward for economic development but that was not the case especially on the dawn of the great depression that paralyzed the American economy at the time. In his famous speech to the veterans, he echoed the need for the national government to own national corporations for the good of all Americans (Franklin D. Roosevelt, War Message to the Congress (1941)). The challenges faced by the nation at the time centered on economic empowerment for all Americans. But then when the great depression struck America had to change tact and be in charge.
The civil rights movement on the other hand rose to speak against inequality and social injustices against minority groups. The struggle against white supremacy, racism and segregation was a major turning point for the American society. It was not so easy but the black community got support from other unlikely quarters and together they fought a winning fight against slavery and white dominion. The reformers and champions for reforms used several tactics including protest and literature. Langston Hughes, Rosa Parks, Malcolm X and the legendary Martin Luther King made an impact with the civil rights movement, something that foresaw change. The change of attitudes and determination to bring change brought a lasting effect into America and indeed, this was a time worth commemorating as regards social change in the American society.
Traditional values that had existed in the American society by the 20th century faced a lot challenges as a new dawn of American leadership came nigh. In the 1950s for instance, tension between the Soviet Union and America escalated as both countries fought for supremacy over each other. The Soviet Union was keen on “imposing its absolute authority over the rest of the world” (NSC- 68 (April 1950)). America at the time had emerged stronger than ever after the Second World War. It was, therefore, not easy to sit and watch its authority and supremacy challenged. The United States policy in the cold war was enacted to guide it in their retaliation and fight for supremacy, and this lasted about twenty years. The challenges paused on the United States called for action and change, and that secured the country as a world super power at the end of the cold war.
The booming prosperity of the United States in the 1960s set yet again another problem as to where the country could get cheap labor if blacks were to be treated as equal citizens. In the education sector specifically, black children were not supposed to go to schools set aside for white children. Schools for black children were poorly staffed and lacked basic necessities required by learning institutions. The Brown ruling set the pace for the much anticipated change in the education system of all the states. It was not welcomed by the white community but the ruling was eventually enacted. That was a time that also saw tension between old American traditions and the changes that came with the century.
The twentieth century was a period that brought with it change that was met with nostalgia as many Americans were not sure about their future especially after change dawned on the country. There was political aggression from within and outside of America, something that did not go down well with everyone in as much as the aggression was welcome from some quarters. But the tension that existed between the new dawn and the past was something that shaped American leadership, political ambitions, social lives as well as its position on the world map. Racial issues were to be solved at the time and justice for all was to become an anthem even after America went into Vietnam.
Works Cited
Brown v. Board of Education and ‘The Southern Manifesto. PDF File
Franklin D. Roosevelt, War Message to the Congress (1941). PDF File
Langstone Hughes, I Too (1926). PDF File
NSC-68 (April 1950.PDF File
