The Unfinished Century: America Since 1900 - William E. Leuchtenburg

The Unfinished Century: America Since 1900

By William E. Leuchtenburg

A sweeping history of the United States in the 20th century, from the Progressive Era to the present day.

In The Unfinished Century, William E. Leuchtenburg offers a magisterial account of the United States in the 20th century. Drawing on a vast array of sources, Leuchtenburg tells the story of a nation that was transformed by war, economic upheaval, social change, and technological innovation.

The Progressive Era

The 20th century began with the United States in the midst of a period of great social and economic change. The Progressive Era was a time of reform, as Americans sought to address the problems of industrialization and urbanization. Progressives fought for women's suffrage, child labor laws, and regulation of big business. They also worked to improve public health and education.

World War I

The United States entered World War I in 1917, and the war had a profound impact on the nation. The war brought an end to the Progressive Era and ushered in a new era of American power and influence. The United States emerged from the war as a global superpower, and its economy boomed in the postwar years.

The Great Depression

The Great Depression of the 1930s was the most severe economic crisis in American history. The Depression caused widespread unemployment and poverty, and it led to a loss of faith in the American government. President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal programs helped to alleviate some of the suffering caused by the Depression, but the economy did not fully recover until the outbreak of World War II.

World War II

World War II was the most destructive war in human history. The United States played a major role in the war, and the war had a profound impact on the nation. The war brought an end to the Great Depression and ushered in a new era of American prosperity. The United States emerged from the war as the world's leading economic and military power.

The Cold War

The Cold War was a global conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union that lasted for nearly 50 years. The Cold War had a profound impact on American society, politics, and culture. The United States and the Soviet Union competed for influence around the world, and the threat of nuclear war hung over the world for decades.

The Civil Rights Movement

The Civil Rights Movement was a struggle for racial equality in the United States. The movement began in the 1950s, and it reached its peak in the 1960s. The Civil Rights Movement led to the passage of landmark legislation, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. These laws helped to end legal segregation and discrimination against African Americans.

The Vietnam War

The Vietnam War was a long and bloody conflict that lasted from 1954 to 1975. The United States sent over 58,000 troops to Vietnam, and the war claimed the lives of over 58,000 American soldiers. The Vietnam War was a major turning point in American history, and it led to a loss of faith in the American government and the military.

The Watergate Scandal

The Watergate scandal was a political scandal that led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon in 1974. The scandal began with the break-in of the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate office complex in Washington, D.C. The scandal revealed that Nixon had been involved in a cover-up of the break-in, and it led to his resignation.

The Reagan Revolution

The Reagan Revolution was a period of political and economic change in the United States that began in the 1980s. President Ronald Reagan cut taxes, reduced government regulation, and increased military spending. The Reagan Revolution led to a period of economic growth, but it also increased the national debt.

The End of the Cold War

The Cold War ended in 1991 with the collapse of the Soviet Union. The end of the Cold War was a major turning point in American history, and it led to a period of peace and prosperity. The United States emerged from the Cold War as the world's sole superpower.

The 21st Century

The 21st century has been a time of great change for the United States. The United States has faced challenges such as the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the Great Recession, and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the United States has also made progress in areas such as civil rights, women's rights, and environmental protection.

The Unfinished Century is a magisterial account of the United States in the 20th century. Leuchtenburg's book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the history of the United States and its place in the world today.

Why You Should Read The Unfinished Century

The Unfinished Century is a sweeping history of the United States in the 20th century. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the history of the United States and its place in the world today.

Here are a few reasons why you should read The Unfinished Century:

It is a comprehensive and well-written history of the United States. Leuchtenburg's book covers a wide range of topics, from the Progressive Era to the present day. He does an excellent job of weaving together the political, economic, social, and cultural history of the United States.
It is a thought-provoking book that will challenge your assumptions about American history. Leuchtenburg does not shy away from controversial topics, and he is not afraid to challenge conventional wisdom. His book will make you think about American history in a new way.
It is a beautifully written book that is a pleasure to read. Leuchtenburg is a gifted writer, and his book is full of vivid descriptions and engaging anecdotes. You will find yourself drawn into the story of the United States as you read The Unfinished Century.

If you are interested in American history, then I highly recommend that you read The Unfinished Century. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the United States and its place in the world today.