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 words american and/or century:
“One classic American landscape haunts all of American literature. It is a picture of Eden, perceived at the instant of history when corruption has just begun to set in. The serpent has shown his scaly head in the undergrowth. The apple gleams on the tree. The old drama of the Fall is ready to start all over again.”
—Jonathan Raban (b. 1942)
“Know thyself.”
—Inscription on the Oracle of Apollo at Delphi, Greece, 6th century B.C.....