THE STORY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

The United States of America emerged as an independent country after 1776. Thousands of years ago people migrated from
Eurasia. It’s not known how these people settled there but there is a theory that says they came from Asia from the land
bridge that joined Siberia with Alaska during the ice age. When this glacial period ended, the land bridge became submerged
in the ocean.

The first Americans formed tribes developed their civilizations or nations and developed their own cultures. European
settlement began in the 15th and 16th centuries when Christopher Columbus arrived in the West Indies. Europeans called this
continent The New World.

EUROPEAN OCCUPATION OF THE AMERICAS

 The Spaniards built an empire settling first in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Hispaniola. Then they went deeper into South
America.
 Portugal occupied Brazil
 France occupied Eastern North America, some Caribbean Islands, and certain coastal areas of South America.
 Britain occupied the Eastern sea coasts founding colonies. Jamestown was the first English colony established in Virginia
in 1607.

The English established commercial agriculture based on tobacco. As the colonies expanded, they attracted a heavy flow of
people. Each colony had different structures or governments. They were ruled by a governor appointed from London. He
controlled the administration and used a locally-elected legislator to make taxes and laws.

ANGLO-FRENCH WAR IN EUROPE AND AMERICA

The British defeated the French and France lost territories in Canada and Louisiana. Since the war was costly, they needed
money so the Parliament in London raised a tax in the colonies without the consent of the colonial legislators. So they said NO
TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION. Tension arose because the colonies refused to pay the tax.

The Boston Tea Party was an event that marked the start of the revolution. The goal was to protest against a new tax on
tea. Parliament reacted by stripping Massachusetts of its right to self-government and putting it under army rule. After
that, Leaders of the 13 colonies gathered to organize their resistance and called for a Congress. They called for a boycott of
British trade.

In 1775, a Second Congress was created and was called to organize the defense of the colonies against the British army. In
1776 the thirteen colonies proclaimed independence as The United States of America.

The Americans allied with the French to defeat the British during the Revolutionary War. The Americans defeated the British
and quickly began the expansion to the West. Louisiana was purchased from France.

In the mid-19th century, the Americans got involved in a war against the Mexican empire and gained more territories in the
southwest. Finally, the Civil War broke out in 1881 in the United States over the abolition of slavery.

USA

The United States of America is a country in North America, a federal republic of 50 states. The national capital is
Washington, which is coextensive with the District of Columbia, the federal capital region created in 1790.

Besides the 48 conterminous states that occupy the middle latitudes of the continent, the United States includes the state
of Alaska, at the north-western extreme of North America, and the island state of Hawaii, in the mid-Pacific Ocean.

The flag of The United States of America is known as the “Old Glory”;

 The stars represent the 50 states of the country.

 The color blue represents liberty.
 Colour red represents freedom.
 The stripes represent the initial 13 British colonies that started the nation.
 THE ORGANIZATION OF THE GOVERNMENT

The form of government of the United States of America is a Constitution-based federal republic. The Constitution of the
United States divides the federal government into three branches:

 Legislative branch: This branch is made up of Congress (the Senate and House of Representatives) and special agencies
and offices that provide support services to Congress. The legislative branch’s roles include:
 Drafting proposed laws.
 Confirming or rejecting presidential nominations for heads of federal agencies, federal judges, and the Supreme Court.
 Having the authority to declare war

 Executive branch: The executive branch’s key roles include:

 President: the head of state, leader of the federal government, and Commander in Chief of the United States armed
forces.
 Vice president: supports the president. If the president is unable to serve, the vice president becomes president. The
vice president also presides over the U.S. Senate and breaks ties in Senate votes.
 The Cabinet: Cabinet members serve as advisors to the president. They include the vice president, heads of executive
departments, and other high-ranking government officials. Cabinet members are nominated by the president and must
be approved by the Senate.

 Judicial branch: The judicial branch includes the Supreme Court and other federal courts. It evaluates laws by:
 Interpreting the meaning of laws
 Applying laws to individual cases
 Deciding if laws violate the Constitution

THE WHITE HOUSE

 It is located in the capital city of Washington, D.C.

 Is the President's home and workplace. It is the headquarters of the President's principal staff members.
 The building has been known as the "President's Palace" and the "Executive Mansion".

PEOPLE

 Ethnicity: a group of people with a common identity that is based on shared cultural features. These features could be
language, religion, traditions, customs, common ancestry, and history.
 Race: a group of people who share common physical features, as perceived by society.

The early promise of the New World as a refuge was realized dramatically in the 20th century with the emergence of the
United States as a world power. A steady stream of immigration formed a pool of foreign-born persons unmatched by any
other nation. Most arrived hoping to remake themselves in the New World.

After decades of immigration, many U.S. citizens can trace no discernible ethnic identity, describing themselves generically
only as “American,” while others claim mixed identities.

In the 19th century, Yankees formed a group marked by a common religion and by habits shaped by the original Puritan
settlers. The Yankees spread westward from New England through New York, northern Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, and
Kansas. They long identified with the Republican Party. These people inhabited small towns until the industrialization of the
South in the 20th century,

The Pennsylvania Germans were held together by religion and language, as exemplified by the Amish. The great 19th-century
German migrations, however, were made up of families who dispersed in the cities as well as in the agricultural areas to the
West. Distinctive language and religion preserved some coherence among the descendants of the Scandinavian newcomers of
the 19th century.

AFRICAN AMERICANS

From colonial times, African Americans arrived in large numbers as slaves and lived primarily on plantations in the South. As
the nation split between Southern slave and Northern free states before the American Civil War, the Underground Railroad
spirited thousands of escaped slaves from the South to the North.
In the century following abolition, this migration pattern became more pronounced as some six million blacks moved from rural
areas of the South to northern and western cities during the Great Migration. On this massive shift came new immigrants
from Haiti, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic.

HISPANICS

They constitute the country’s largest ethnic minority. Although they generally share Spanish as a second language, Hispanics
are hardly a monolithic group. The majority, more than three-fifths, are of Mexican origin.

Puerto Ricans are the second largest group of Hispanics in the country. They are American citizens by the island
commonwealth’s association with the United States.

Quite different, though also Spanish-speaking, are the Cubans who fled Fidel Castro’s communist revolution of 1959 and their
descendants.

The United States’ three largest Hispanic groups are concentrated in different parts of the country. Most Mexicans live in
western states; most Puerto Ricans live in north-eastern states; and most Cubans live in southern states (primarily Florida).

After 1960 easy air travel and political and economic instability stimulated a significant migration from the Caribbean, Central
America, and South America.

ASIAN AMERICANS

The Chinese, the earliest to arrive, and the Japanese were victims of racial discrimination. In 1942 thousands of Japanese
were interned in relocation camps because their loyalty was suspect after the United States engaged Japan in World War II.
Among more recent arrivals, many Koreans, Filipinos, and Asian Indians have quickly enjoyed economic success.

MIDDLE EASTERNERS

Among the trends of Arab immigration in the 20th century were the arrival of Lebanese Christians and Palestinian Muslims.
Armenians, also from southwest Asia, arrived in large numbers, congregating largely in California, where Iranians were also
concentrated.

NATIVE AMERICANS

In the East, centuries of coexistence with whites has led to some degree of intermarriage and assimilation and various
patterns of stable adjustment. In the West, the hasty expansion of agricultural settlement crowded the Native Americans
into reservations, where federal policy has vacillated between efforts at assimilation and the desire to preserve tribal cultural
identity.

THE WORLD WAR I

It was a global war originating in Europe in 1914; it involved more than 60 million of soldiers. The origin of war started in 1871
at the end of the Franco-German war between the French Empire and The Confederation of North Germany. After 6 months
of fighting, France was defeated by Germany, and Alsace and Moselle were annexed to the new Empire.

In the following years, Germany would greatly advance its industry and economy. The country also built alliances. First, with
The Austro-Hungarian Empire and then with Italy (The Triple Alliance). After that, Germany began to colonize African
territories. For its part, France allied with the Russian Empire and signed a secret pact of non-aggression with Italy. Thus
avoid in case of war. The British Empire feared the rise of the German army. So France, Russia, and The UK formed The
Triple Entente. In 1914, a young Serbian nationalist from Bosnia murdered the heir to the throne of Austria and his wife in
Sarajevo. Austria-Hungary accused Serbia of having organized the attack and despite Russian threats declared war the
following month. In a few days, the conflict spread between the countries of the Triple Alliance and the Triple Entente but
only Italy kept neutral. The Ottoman Empire decided to support Germany in the war.

At the same time, the conflict became international because other countries were involved (internationalization). Germany
also continued with military innovations organizing bombardments carried out by Zeppelin airships and submarines. Finally,
Germany and France used toxic gases that caused many casualties.
A revolution took place in Russia. It is for that reason The USA was entranced to the war and because she was becoming a
victim of the commercial blockage in The Atlantic. This country had an important economic role and supplied its alliances with
money and weapons.

The Triple Entente consisting of France, Russia and Britain. (The Allied Powers)
The Triple Alliance of Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy. (The Central Powers)
In 1919, a peace threat was signed at Versailles. Germany was forced to accept all the demands of the victors. So Germany
and its allies were held responsible for war damages and must pay heavy compensation. At the end of the war, Austria-Hungary
and The Ottoman Empire were dismantled, making way for new countries or colonies.

Finally, Germany was left with a desire for revenge because she was humiliated and indebted.

CAUSES OF THE WAR

 The international expansion policy by the German emperor.

 Conflicts between colonial powers in Africa and Asia.
 Territorial rivalry between France and Germany.
 Britain was frightened by of growing power of the German.
 Rivalry between Russia and Austria-Hungary for the power hegemony in the Balkans.

THE USA IN THE WORLD WAR I

The Americans had an official policy of neutrality but this never meant indifference. Woodrow Wilson, after re-election in
1916, kept the USA out of war and a year after winning that election declared war on the Germans.

The triggering event that brought the United States into the war was Germany's decision to revive unrestricted submarine
warfare. Added to that the Germans tried to recruit the Mexicans to come in on their side if America entered the war;
they had offered to return to the Mexicans all the lands they had lost in the 19th century to the U.S. such as Texas, New
Mexico, and Arizona. The Germans sent this offer to the Mexicans by telegram (Western Union). What they didn't realize
was the Western Union office was in London so the British captured the telegram and sent it to the US, which angered the
American people. President Wilson felt that he had to take the U.S. into the war against Germany and Austria-Hungary.

Just as America was entering the war Russia was dropping out. They brought in the men, the material, and the resources that
these allies needed desperately.

The French and the British were suffering a sense that defeat might be coming and the American commitment was seen
positively for both political leaders and for soldiers in the trenches. Before the outbreak of World War I America was
recognized as a strong young nation by joining with the Allies.

THE WORLD WAR II

It was a military conflict during the years 1939 to 1945 which took place in Europe, East Asia, and islands in the Pacific Ocean.

The Treaty of Versailles promoted the rise of Nazism (wanted to purify the race) in Germany by Adolf Hitler. He denounced
the Treaty and began secretly building up Germany’s army and weapons. In the Munich Agreement of September 1938,
Germany agreed not to invade Czechoslovakia but in March 1939, Germany broke its promise.

The worldwide economic depression of the 1930s affected in different ways in Europe. I.e. Germany, Italy, and Spain shifted
to totalitarian and imperialist governments. It promoted the rise of Fascism

The war broke out when Hitler intended to invade Poland but first, he had to neutralize the possibility that the Soviet Union
would resist the invasion of its western neighbor. After that, he ordered the invasion. In response, Great Britain and France
declared war on Germany on September 3.

Days after, Japan mounted a surprise attack on The US Navy Base of Pearl Harbor, in Hawaii. Japan also invaded The
Philippines, Burma, and Hong Kong. After Japan bombed Pearl Harbor in 1941, The United States declared war on Japan.
Germany and Italy declared war on the U.S. a few days later, and the nation became fully engaged in the Second World War.

In 1944, it was the D-Day operation where it brought together the land, air, and sea forces of the allied armies in what
became known as the largest amphibious invasion in military history. It was to defend the beaches of Normandy, France.

On 6th August 1945, The United States threw nuclear bombs in Hiroshima and three days later in Nagasaki.
CONSEQUENCE OF THE WAR

 TREATY OF VERSAILLES: The humiliation faced by Germany under this treaty, paved the way for the spread of Ultra-
Nationalism in Germany.
 RISE OF NAZISM: Hitler promised to overturn the Versailles treaty, restore German wealth and glory and secure
additional for German people
 POLICY OF APPEASEMENT: Hitler denounced the Treaty and began secretly building up Germany’s army and weapons.
In the Munich Agreement of September 1938 Germany agreed not to invade Czechoslovakia but on march 1939, Germany
broke its promise.
 FAILURE OF THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS: It was an international organization set up to keep world peace.
All countries would be members and that if there were disputes between countries, they could negotiate.
It was a failure, because not all countries joined the league.
 GREAT DEPRESSION OF 1929: The worldwide economic depression of the 1930s took its toll in different ways in
Europe.
 RISE OF FASCISM: Fascism was the wave of nationalistic, militaristic totalitarianism in Italy. It presented itself as
the one sure defense against communism. Benito Mussolini established the first Fascist in Italy in 1922.

WHAT WAS THE HOLOCAUST?

The Holocaust was the attempt by Nazi Germany and its collaborators to murder the Jews of Europe. It began in January
1933, when the Nazi party was elected to power in the Weimar Republic (Germany between World War I and World War II).
It ended in Nazi Germany’s defeat at the end of World War II in 1945.

CAUSES OF THE HOLOCAUST

 Racial antisemitism: the Nazis believed Jews belonged to a separate race and had distinct “Jewish blood” and attributed
many negative stereotypes to Jews and “Jewish” behavior. They saw Jews as the source of disease and social injustice.
 Political instability: many believed the Nazi Party was restoring Germany’s status as a world power since they suffered a
humiliating defeat in World War I. The Nazis also promised to restore Germany’s economy.
 War: during World War II, as the German military invaded and conquered territories, millions of European Jews came
under Nazi control. Nazi policy moved from forced emigration to mass murder.
 Collaboration: some people recognized that they could personally benefit from the persecution of Jews. They acquired
the property of Jews who were deported. Some took over the businesses of Jews forced to emigrate or sent to
concentration camps.
 Propaganda and social pressure: the Nazi propaganda urged people to hate Jews. Nazi ideas about “race” and the
supposed inferiority of Jews were taught in schools. The government arrested political opponents or members of the
press who criticized the Nazi Party. They were put in jails and concentration camps.

WHERE DID THE HOLOCAUST TAKE PLACE?

Nazi Germany’s territorial expansion began in 1938–1939. During this time, Germany annexed neighboring Austria and the
Sudetenland and occupied the Czech lands. On September 1, 1939, Nazi Germany began World War II (1939–1945) by
attacking Poland. Over the next two years, Germany invaded and occupied much of Europe, including western parts of the
Soviet Union. It also created puppet states in Slovakia and Croatia. By 1942 as a result of annexations, invasions, occupations,
and alliances, Nazi Germany controlled most of Europe and parts of North Africa.

ADOLF HITLER “THE LEADER” (1889-1945)

 He served as the leader of the Nazi Party from around 1920.

 Assumed the positions of chancellor (Kanzler) and Führer of Germany from 1933 to 1945.
 He gained power and popularity during the years of the Great Depression thanks to his propaganda oratory.
 His racism and anti-Semitism led him to order terrible ethnic cleansing in concentration and extermination camps like
Auschwitz in what is known as the Holocaust.

WHAT HAPPENED TO HITLER WHEN HE WAS ABOUT TO BE CAPTURED?

When Soviet troops entered Berlin, Hitler committed suicide on April 30, 1945, in his underground bunker. He also took the
life of Eva Braun, whom he had recently married. Both bodies were burned and buried. The Soviets claimed they could not
confirm Hitler's death and later spread rumors that he was alive. However, the Soviets recovered his burned remains, which
were identified through dental records. Hitler's body was secretly buried before being exhumed and cremated in 1970.
 WHAT HAPPENED TO THE PRISONERS IN THE CONCENTRATION CAMPS?

The prisoners were separated into two groups: "men" and "women and children." The doctors examined them. Those deemed
unfit for work, such as pregnant women, were ordered to shower and taken to the gas chambers.

Others were searched and given a prisoner number, which was tattooed on their left arm. They were told to undress, forced
to shave their heads and take a shower. They were given a striped uniform.

Working hours were extended to 12 hours during the summer, and reduced during the winter. Visits to the toilets were only
allowed at designated times. The prisoners returned to the camp before nightfall. Sunday was not a work day. They spent the
day tidying up their barracks, showering weekly, and mending or washing their clothes.

RUSSIAN LIBERATION OF AUSCHWITZ AND GERMAN SURRENDER

Finally, in 1945, the Russian Army reached and liberated Auschwitz. US forces crossed the Rhine. And by April, Berlin was
surrounded. Hitler committed suicide, and Germany unconditionally surrendered to the Allies.

AFTERMATH OF THE HOLOCAUST - DESTRUCTION AND REFUGEES

By the end of the tragic war, roughly 6 million Jews and 5 million others, including Roma, Poles, homosexuals, the disabled,
communists, and political dissidents had been murdered by Nazis. Villages, cities, and towns throughout Europe that were once
home to flourishing Jewish communities were now empty of them.

Survivors of the concentration and death camps who tried to return home often found their properties seized by their non-
Jewish neighbors. With no recourse for reclaiming their homes or possessions, they became refugees, many ending up in
displaced persons camps before moving on to form what have since become flourishing Jewish communities in the Americas
and the land of Israel.

HOW DID THE HOLOCAUST END?

The Holocaust ended in May 1945. It ended with the military defeat of Nazi Germany and its European collaborators in World
War II. Although the liberation of Nazi camps was not a primary objective of the Allied military campaign, Soviet, US, British,
and Canadian troops freed prisoners from their SS guards. They provided them with food and badly needed medical support
and collected evidence for war crimes trials.