Our world has been designed with heavy influences from certain ideas and individuals. To list each by name would take days and maybe even years. But for those who have had their stamp on society, may always endure criticism. And those critics provoke thought, which in turn breeds “new” ideas. This is the basis for America’s society: freedom. Each citizen has the right to think as they wish, and speak their beliefs. But freedom hasn’t come cheap. America struggled to separate from Britain in the 19th century. The successful parting of Britain’s rule and authority can often be seen as undervalued in terms of culture development. Not to say that thinkers and doers didn’t exist beyond the boundaries, but, as a group, Americans have led the charge in paving the way for future existence. Much of the foundational work was done in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Early in the 1800’s, the power of steam was invented, which led to the great Industrial Revolution and its successor, the second Industrial Revolution. During the times of this revolution, people were working more often and increasing their money flow. More people with more money equated to better and longer lives, as they were now able to provide for themselves and their growing families. But as many know, with money comes greed. Social Darwinism’s “most fit”, brought about some ugly and often embarrassing times for America. Slavery was instilled as an idea suggesting power of wealth, and means of lowering the cost of production. However, with the inabilities of predicting the future, slavery was quickly frowned upon by many. There began to be a significant spread between business owners and the working people. Workers acknowledged new ideas brought about by socialists in hopes of creating an equal society. Equality stuck then and since has been an influential stance that has provided stability for America.
As Americans were debating what would be best for all at the turn of the century, an invention was born that would “shrink” the world. In the early 20th century, the telephone was introduced and provided communication abilities between nations, businesses, and citizens. Progress moved faster, and thus thinking was more time relevant than compared to earlier times. Elsewhere, Albert Einstein’s devotion to humanity led him to discover the biggest scientific advancement known to man, the constant of Energy. With this new information, the successes of flight, space travel and nuclear weapons were possible. And all proved to be vital as, once again greed took center stage, and nations vied for power throughout both of the World Wars. America’s involvement in World War didn’t remedy their problems back home. Separation in America was becoming more prevalent. But the movers and shakers knew something had to be done in order for their country to survive. Abolishing slavery was at the top of many of their lists. The equal rights movement helped to orchestrate many positive changes, which also included the individualization of women. If freedom was going to endure, then each individual needed rights to be their own person. The emergence of Americans rights enhanced development and technology as voices were recognized and ideas were heard. After this time period, much advancement improved the lives of citizens in America and all over the world. In a sense, the 19th century made movement toward growth, but those in control had not prepared. Differences in goals and ideology created uncertainty and defiance. Those with wealth held power and controlled decisions. This changed, largely due to the advancements in the 20th century.