World Wars and Foreign Policy

In the 20th century, the U.S. became a global leader. It fought in two world wars, helped shape the United Nations, and played a key role in the Cold War rivalry with the Soviet Union.

WWI and WWII

The U.S. entered World War I in 1917, tipping the balance toward the Allies. After a brief period of isolationism, the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 brought America into WWII, leading to victory over Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan.

Cold War and Beyond

The Cold War was a period of tension, competition, and occasional conflict. The U.S. and USSR never fought directly but faced off in places like Korea and Vietnam. The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 ended this era, but America's role as a world power continues.

Modern Implications

U.S. foreign policy decisions—whether about alliances, wars, or peacekeeping—still shape the world.