Zachary Robinson English 12 Compare & Contrast 20th Century vs. 21st Century The 21st century has come a long way from the 20st century by a long shot. Due to the governmental, technological, and psychological shifts, the centuries have been named the greatest of all time. The key differences that set the 2 apart are emphasized so greatly, that some of the older practices are almost nonexistent. The government in the 20th century was run a lot differently from today’s government. Some of the key events that took place like the Great Depression, Civil Rights Movement, and many others put the country in an economic landslide. Many policies had to be put in place to bring revival to the souls of our fellow Americans, and through this many historical heroes arose from the crowd to try and make a difference. Although many of Americas past heroes were either assassinated or discriminated against, they put their passion into what they did until it was completed, while some even risks their lives in the process. Today’s government is run upon a strict set of guidelines that have to follow certain protocol. This protocol is based upon laws and international policy to make sure Americas economy is ran in the most efficient way. The question everyone is asking is where is the line in the sand drawn? How efficient is this new centuries government and will it sustain the morality as well as the reputation America withheld in the 1900’s. Technology plays a drastic role in today’s society. The 21st century has been named the age of technology due to the dependency Americans have grown to it. Although technological breakthroughs have made the feats of man-kind undefinable, has technology helped Americans or have we digressed as human beings? In the 1900’s technology was somewhat limited to the average person. Either government workers or the wealthy were able to obtain its most advanced form, and most of it wasn’t used recreationally. Technology was used for work or it was used to accomplish advances over opposing continents. As prevalent as it is today, almost every American has some form of technology when it is not truly needed. In today’s society it is considered a normality to have it, and if we don’t have it we become envious as well as bitter towards those who do. I believe it has helped Americans tremendously, but isn’t used in a moderate manner. This has caused us to be psychologically dependent on it, as well as creating a false reality taking our eyes as human beings off of the big picture. The psychological spectrum has changed tremendously in the past 100 years. In today’s world there are statistics instead of God’s word, justification for wrong doing instead of sincerity & humility, and a lack of honor system. 90 % of Americans depended on their faith in God for their tribulation. In today’s world there is a scientific explanation for everything and it is a necessity to visit a doctor for the most acute problems. It is understandable to obtain health care when needed & it would be highly foolish not to, but many people take advantage of today’s advances just because they simply cannot deal with themselves about the matter. Americans have lost their morality as human beings, lost their compassion for others, and seem to take pride in the materialistic values and accomplishments. Humility is a lost art which has seemed to be substituted with arrogance and a hardened heart. Being the bigger person comes down to who has the sharpest tongue, demonstrating a lack in love & understanding. We as people have digressed psychologically, creating a false realm where understanding & truth cannot simply coexist in harmony. The 1900’s and 2000ths are by far very different eras. Many people struggle in today’s world due to fads society has placed upon us. Many agree with today’s society while others spend every day trying to bring America back to its original ways. The question is, where do you stand in today’s century? The beauty of America is you chose what to believe in.

Zachary Robinson Compare & Contrast 20th vs. 21st Century Outline 1.) Thesis statement a. Government b. Technology c. Psychology 2.) Government a. Historical events b. Policies c. Laws 3.) Technology a. Past tech b. Todays tech c. Dependency 4.) Psychological aspect a. Faith b. Statistics c. Morality 5.) Ending a. Restating thesis b. End question