The whole world knows that America is the only superpower on earth. However, in spite of that recently it has been engulfed by several problems, both inside and outside. Although no immediate solution is forth coming, let us hope that a proper leadership would evolve to take care of the present mess. What is needed is an all round bipartisan effort. Stabilization of economy and creating job for the jobless Americans should be the two important agenda to be taken care of immediately. Other important issues facing the nation are formulation of a judicious export import policy, a comprehensive immigration policy, a sound homeland security system, and above all a balanced foreign policy.
America was regarded as a great country for many decades. From the late nineteenth century to almost late twentieth century, America showed spectacular growth and achievements in science and technology. Almost around the same time as the Second World War, its own progress and development started reflecting on the improvement in the standard of living of the common people in this country. It touched an all time high gradually.
Particularly for the past about 67 decades, America had enjoyed the benefit of its spectacular progress and development in every sphere of its society science and technology, economy, commerce and trade. It was transformed into such a nation as could attract attention of the greatest thinkers, philosophers, scientists, engineers, economists, business magnets etc. Students were coming over here for higher education, advanced research and training in science and technology, medicine, arts and culture, economics and sociology, journalism and political science and in many other areas. The novelty and excellence in their contributions were later rewarded by awarding Nobel Prize to many of them. Sophisticated technologies developed by the scientists and technologists not only helped this nation to advance in the forefront of other nations of the world, but it could establish an edge over others also. Its trade and commerce flourished. Buyers in every part of the world were looking forward to American goods and products. It became a craze for others to possess materials bearing the label “Made in America”. It was even considered as a status symbol to possess such goods and articles. The fundamental truth behind all that advancement was that America was the first and foremost in every respect.
From its telephone system to electronic goods, from black and white TV to colored TV, from photographic equipment to development of precise sound and stereo systems, American goods earned international reputation. Marketing newer models of cars, introducing sophisticated and more comfortable aircrafts and modern ships, along with an intricate communication system gave America an edge over others. American goods overshadowed both internal and external markets. American share markets became the place for investments by the riches of the world. From kings and queens of different countries to the Prime Ministers, business barons, Petromonarchs, and even those deposed kings or exiled prime ministers, everybody brought their wealth into this country. They invested their money in different businesses. Soon America became the richest nation on earth.
The spectacular economic growth of America impacted the standard of living of the majority of its citizens. The common people could afford to have their own house, own car, radio, television etc. Gradually, they could possess their own cooking range, oven, dishwashers. refrigerators. hot and cold water supply, washers and dryers. central airconditioning system, carpeted floors etc. Somewhat later more gadgets were introduced in the market, such as FAX machine, Xerox copiers, printers, computers, internet facilities, wireless telephones, satellite TV, cell phones, iphones, and so on and so forth.
There were a host of other inventions for facilitating business. These include processing and packaging technology, cold storage facilities, a faster and smooth road transport system. All these provided a boost to the business, trade and commerce. Thanks to President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who visualized that the country's surface transport system needed to be modernized. Being highly impressed by the high way system in Germany, he initiated a similar such system in America. Backed up by the introduction of large number of cars and an easy affordability of bank loan gave a further boost to this area. Business flourished. Car manufacturers made fortunes. More and more Americans started driving cars. Many families started keeping more than one cars. Some even started having their own boat, summer cottage, own yacht, personal aircrafts etc. Number of millionaires and billionaires increased sharply.
Side by side tourism industries flourished all around the country.
Hotels, motels, restaurants, fast food shops, icecream parlors, supermarkets, shopping malls, multicomplex movie theatres started cropping up in different parts of the country. The notion of luxury and more comfort engulfed the entire American life. Entertainment centers, casinos, amusement parks, water sports, base ball, football, basket ball, and lawn tennis facilities flooded the entire country. Taste of socalled modern living was within the grip of common man and women.
