US+Economic+Development

= = __The 'Economic Giant' that is the USA.__ It was in the 20th Century that the USA became a force to be reckoned with. What could once be seen as a country on the 'rise' was now considered to be the World's Superpower; a proud and powerful nation that was ready to spread its influence on the world stage. What made the USA so powerful?
 * THEIR STRONG AND EVER-THRIVING ECONOMY.**

__The "Economic Superpower" of the 20th Century:__
 * A population increase from 31 million in 1860 to 92 million in 1910 was a contributing factor in the USA's Economic prosperity. This rise in population can be seen to be a result of the huge external migration from Europe. More people=More work=Industry Expansion.
 * The USA was the largest manufacturing nation in the world; with ever-expanding oil, iron, steel, rail and pharmeceutical industries that contributed to a Gross national profit of US$38.6 million in 1914. Such figures surpassed those of **both** Great Britain and Imperial Germany.
 * The USA was abundant in Natural Resources-land, timber, coal, petroleum, iron ore, silver, lead and copper. This gave her "enormous advantages".
 * Local producers were protected by High tariffs which allowed them to sell their products to the largest home market in the world.
 * AMERICAN MENTALITY: Anyone willing to work hard (would help secure the country's strong economic position) could be wealthy/powerful; they could even become President!
 * __WORLD WAR 1- THE USA'S ECONOMIC BOOST:__**
 * The First World War had sealed the economic fate of the USA- **MAKING** loans and **SELLING** war materials to **ALL** combatant nations gave the American banks and industries an economic boost once the conflict was over.
 * This rise in the economy led to a rise in the median income of the average American; who in 1921 could earn US$1250-created a rich consumer society with a growing middle class that just had to have any new product on the market (cars, bicycles and goods from department stores).