America Encounters the World

Between 1775 and 1865 the United States grew from thirteen former colonies on the east coast to a great nation spanning an entire continent. It was an astonishing expansion. During its next eighty years this amazing development would continue both economically and politically, making the USA the wealthiest and most powerful country on earth. This growth would inevitably bring it into closer contact, as well as conflict, with other nations. These are the years in which America comes of age.

Read more in Access to English: Social Studies, pp. 97-102. Then do the tasks in the textbook and on this website.

Immigrant family on Ellis Island looking longingly at the New York City skyline. (NTB Scanpix) Immigrant family on Ellis Island looking longingly at the New York City skyline. (NTB Scanpix)