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rights, secession, and economic differences. Union forces, under
President Abraham Lincoln, defeated the Confederacy in 1865 and
reunited the country.
American troops were only involved in the last year of World War
I, but the United States was a major combatant in World War II and
emerged as the strongest economic and military power in the world.
Through its assistance to developing countries, the United States
spread American values and influence throughout the world, which
some nations welcomed and others did not.
American prominence declined in the 1970s because of the U.S.
defeat in Vietnam. This trend continued in the 1980s as other nations
became more powerful, especially economically, but the United States
remains an important member of the world community. It is an active
member of the United Nations and a key donor of international aid.
The United States has never been ruled by a dictator and has
always had free elections to determine its leadership. Americans
consider their country a world guardian of democracy and freedom, as
well as a promoter of peace. Although U.S. leadership has not always
been in the best interest of all parties involved, it was pivotal in the
1991 Gulf War. It is currently vital to the ongoing Middle East peace
process, peace efforts among former Yugoslav republics, democ-
ratization of Haiti and other nations, and in international free-trade
negotiations.

3. Answer the following questions:

1. What did European settlers come to North America for?
2. What led to independence of the USA?
3. Who moved west and settled large areas of land?
4. How did the USA expand its borders?
5. Why did the civil war break in 1861?
6. Who reunited the country?
7. How did the USA take part in World War I and World War
II?
8. How does the USA spread American values throughout the
world?
9. When and why did the American prominence decline?
10. What dictators ruled the USA?