The Unplanned Rise of the United States: From a Developing Nation to a Superpower

Since when did the United States start to become a superpower? Despite popular belief, it's not a narrative that can be neatly tied to a specific date or event. The American journey to superpowerdom is a complex story of organic development, driven more by necessity and opportunity than a predetermined plan. This article explores the historical context, key events, and the unexpected path that led to the United States becoming the most powerful country on Earth.

Early Developments and the American Dream

After the American Civil War, there was an attempt in the Gilded Age to build a country centered around small towns and small businesses. This vision, while seemingly romantic, did not align with the realities of the time. It was the Irish Catholic immigrants and other hardworking individuals who laid the foundation for the major cities and industries that would fuel America's rise to power.

To visualize this period, one can look to the 1970 film The Cheyenne Social Club, which showcases the Great Landgrabs and the involvement of various groups in American history, including American businessmen entering politics. During this era, there was no grand strategy to become a superpower; rather, it was a series of smaller steps and decisions that collectively shifted the nation's trajectory.

The World Wars and the Unplanned Path to Superpowerdom

It is often said that the United States became a superpower following World War II, when it emerged as the single most powerful country on Earth. However, the journey to this position was far from linear. For instance, in 1938, Bulgaria had a larger army than the United States. This stark contrast underscores the idea that becoming a superpower is not a straightforward process but rather a series of events and decisions that inadvertently lead to such a status.

One key moment in this narrative is 1939, when the Second World War began. This marked the beginning of a period where the United States shifted from a neutral, isolationist stance to a major player on the global stage. The Bretton Woods Conference, which took place in 1944, was a pivotal event that laid the foundation for the United States' position as a global economic and political leader. However, the planning for this conference does not suggest a predetermined drive to become a superpower; rather, it was a response to the evolving global landscape.

The Role of Military Development

The United States' rise as a superpower is inextricably linked to its military and technological advancements. During World War II, there was a significant focus on developing new and powerful weapons, including nuclear weapons. This period saw the United States building and equipping a massive military machine, the majority of which was demobilized after the war. However, with the advent of the Cold War, it became clear that relying solely on nuclear weapons was not sufficient to deter lower-level conflicts. This led to the development of high-quality conventional weapons and the maintenance of a large standing military, including a strong Navy and Air Force.

The transition to a more conventional military posture began around the mid to late 1960s and continued through the 1970s. This period marked a shift from a military focused on nuclear deterrence to one that was capable of engaging in a variety of conflicts, including the Korean and Vietnam Wars. The maintenance of this military capacity was a significant factor in the United States' ability to project power and influence globally.

The Lack of a Preconceived Plan

It is important to note that the United States has never worked to be a superpower. The transformation into a superpower was more of an organic process, driven by the nation's economic, industrial, and military growth. This growth was not intentional; it was a result of a series of historical events and decisions that collectively propelled the country forward.

Even the term "superpower" is a term that was created by the media and the international press to compare the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. It is a moniker that underscores the economic, military, and political dominance of the two countries but does not reflect the unplanned nature of the United States' rise to superpower status.

Conclusion

The story of the United States as a superpower is a tale of gradual development and unintended consequences. From the Gilded Age to the present day, the nation's rise to global dominance was not a result of a preconceived plan but rather a series of events and decisions that shaped the country's trajectory. Understanding this context is crucial for anyone interested in the history of the United States and its place in the global community.