America's [[free market]] economy grew rapidly, becoming the largest in the world by the late 1800s, and gaining global influence. [[New York City]] became the largest city in the world at that time. Between 1791 and 1959, 37 new states were added to the original 13 as the nation expanded across the North American continent and acquired a number of overseas possessions. After defeating the Soviet Union in the [[Cold War]], the U.S. emerged as the world's only [[superpower]], having the world's largest economy and the world's most powerful military. It exerts enormous cultural and intellectual influence worldwide, and in return is the target of the enemies of democracy and [[capitalism]]. | America's [[free market]] economy grew rapidly, becoming the largest in the world by the late 1800s, and gaining global influence. [[New York City]] became the largest city in the world at that time. Between 1791 and 1959, 37 new states were added to the original 13 as the nation expanded across the North American continent and acquired a number of overseas possessions. After defeating the Soviet Union in the [[Cold War]], the U.S. emerged as the world's only [[superpower]], having the world's largest economy and the world's most powerful military. It exerts enormous cultural and intellectual influence worldwide, and in return is the target of the enemies of democracy and [[capitalism]]. |