The American Century

General Summary (prepatory)

The 20th century is the first century for America as a dominant world
power. On the one hand, it is a promise for human progress and
happiness, but on the other hand, it is characterized by war and
death. According to the author, the USA rejects isolationism and
accepts the idea of internationalism. He highlights the need for a
vision of America as a world power. Firstly, there is the question
whether the economic system should be of free economic enterprise,
which is compatible with freedom and progress. Secondly, America
could be the dynamic leader of world trade, which again offers
possibilities of enormous human progress. Apart from that, America
could show its technical and artistic skills to the world and have
the most successful professionals. The author states that these
skills, the training, and the leadership is needed in the world.
Furthermore, the USA must care for all the people in the world. At
least a little amount of the money that is spent on war should be
spent on social services for the world, and everyone should know
that the Americans have dedicated themselves to this task.

1) State what makes the twentieth century so paradoxical.

The article “The American Century”, written by Henry R. Luce,

published on February 17th 1941 in LIFE magazine, deals with the 20th
century defined by the United States and the paradoxes associated
with it.
In general, the major contradiction of the 20th century is on the one
hand the hope and opportunity for a better future with freedom,
progress, success, and happiness, and on the other hand, the two
world wars that caused death and destruction. That means there is a
wide span between the facets of America in the 20th Century between
pleasant and tragic.
The author starts off by noting that the 20th Century is the first
century for America as a dominant world power. During that time, the
country raises hope for human progress and happiness, but is also
engaged in two world wars in which many people die.
According to the text, the Americans had a vision of the American
Century. Firstly, the economic system should be of free economic
enterprise which offers freedom and progress. Furthermore, America
should achieve the status as a leader of world trade. Apart from
that, it should show the technical and artistic skills of its
people. And finally, these skills should be used for the good of all
people in the world.
Summing up, the vision of America is very positive, but the actual
events are rather negative. Therefore, the American Century is
marked by hope but also grief, two very different things.

2) Outline the author’s explanations concerning the “vision of

America” and its implications (Folgen)

According to the author, the Americans need to develop a vision of

America that inspires them to live, work and fight with enthusiasm.
In the first part of the 20th Century, the Americans understand the
meaning of their time, which leads them to the vision of America and
the American Century.
The vision includes different aspects. Firstly, the economic system,
which should be of free economic enterprise and offer freedom and
progress. Furthermore, America should achieve the status as a leader
of world trade. Apart from that, it should show the technical and
artistic skills of its people. And finally, these skills should be
used for the good of all people in the world.