American Century is a characterization of the 20th century as being largely dominated by the United States in political, economic and cultural terms. The United States' influence grew throughout the 20th century, but became especially dominant after the end of World War II, when only two superpowers remained, the United States and the Soviet Union. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, the United States remained the world's only superpower, became the hegemon, or what some have termed a hyperpower.
Read more about American Century: Origin of The Phrase, Early Characteristics, Pax Americana, Post-1945 Characteristics, Criticism
Famous quotes containing the word american:
“Our fathers and grandfathers who poured over the Midwest were self-reliant, rugged, God-fearing people of indomitable courage.... They asked only for freedom of opportunity and equal chance. In these conceptions lies the real basis of American democracy. They and their fathers give a genius to American institutions that distinguished our people from any other in the world.”
—Herbert Hoover (1874–1964)