How the U.S. has had an impact on human history

                In its nearly three-century history the United States has had a dramatic impact on history.  It has had a lot of direct impacts on human events, such as its direct involvement in military action, foreign aid, and economic interests worldwide; is has also had many indirect effects as well.  Overall the United States has created a legacy of leadership and hope that will endure in human history for generations to come.

                The U.S.’ direct intervention in many events around the world has enormous consequences, and perhaps the most consequential of these actions is one which involves the military.  The U.S’ involvements in wars over the past two centuries have often changed their courses, and its starting of some of them have far-reaching consequences on history.  An example of the former type of action was the recently-ended War in Iraq.  The United States began the war due to concerns about weapons of mass destruction that Iraq allegedly possessed, and because of the possible consequences that could arise from them.  Although few weapons were recovered, programs to produce them were still in place.  Had the U.S. not intervened, Iraq could have resumed its production of possible weapons, which could have had disastrous consequences for the world.  Another example of the influence of the U.S. is seen in World War II.  During World War II, it was the U.S. using nuclear weapons that brought a relatively quick end to the war.  The only other option that was being considered was Operation Downfall: an all-out invasion of Japan, which would have cost many lives and resources.  The U.S. decision to use atomic weapons brought a quick surrender and a relatively clean end to World War II, which otherwise could have caused much more damage to both sides of the conflict.

                Another large area where the U.S. plays a large part in history is in foreign aid.  The aid that the United States provides to countries around the world greatly influences the course of human history.  During the years of fighting in World War II, Congress passed the Lend-Lease program, which allowed the President of the U.S. to give aid to foreign countries to help further the war effort.  This had two large consequences; first, it helped a financially-struggling Britain to keep up in the war, and second, it eliminated the United States’ policy of neutrality that it had worked hard to keep running.  This would set the stage for later involvement in the war, which was critical in its outcome, as stated above.  After the war ended U.S. aid continued as the reconstruction efforts in Europe began, and played a key role in helping to rebuild a shattered Europe. 

                A third example of the U.S.’ impact on history is in its economic power.  As the United States controls more than a fifth of the global GDP, and is also the largest importer of goods in the world, the effect that its actions have on the economics of the world is immense.  One example of the U.S.’ effect on imports is the case of oil, which is the key export of many Middle-Eastern countries.  Because these economies are fueled by our need of the oil, our economy affects these countries’ decisions to a great degree (an example of this is the 1973 Oil Crisis).  Besides imports, the U.S.’ exports also have a large effect on the world’s economy.  Because the U.S. is the second-largest importer of goods in the world, the countries that it chooses to give goods to will benefit much more than those that it doesn't.  This will have an great impact on which countries will play larger roles in the world economy, which in turn has a large impact on the course of human history.

                Overall the U.S. has served as a leader in the world on many fronts, such as the economy, aiding countries around the world, and military intervention.  It has served as inspiration for many countries around the world with its archetypal “rags-to-riches” history, and has inspired many of them to follow in its footsteps to their own independence.  By spreading freedom around the world it inspires others to seek their own freedom; women, the lower class, and the unfortunate all heed this message.  In trying to create a better world for all, the U.S. has a great impact on human history.