U.S. Global Leadership After World War II

Post-WWII, the U.S. led in:

• Industrial Production – Over half the world's manufacturing output (steel, autos, aircraft).
• Technology & Innovation – Atomic energy, radar, jet engines, early computing.
• Scientific Research – Massive R&D investment (universities, national labs, private sector).
• Economic Power – Bretton Woods system, dollar as reserve currency, Marshall Plan aid.
• Military Strength – Dominant navy/air force, global bases, nuclear monopoly (briefly).

This multifaceted supremacy defined the "American Century."