"Ich bin ein Berliner." -John. F Kennedy
America has never existed in isolation. While the United States has left an imprint on the world community, other nations and immigrants to the United States have had a profound influence on the course of American history.
Stories about the role of the U.S. in the world community explore diplomacy, trade, cultural exchange, security and defense, expansionism, and, at times, imperialism. The interactions among indigenous peoples, between this nation and native peoples, and this nation and the world have all contributed to American history. Additionally, there are regional variations, since, for example, in the eighteenth century, the Spanish southwest, French and Canadian middle west, and British eastern seaboard had different diplomatic histories.
History-makes include both people and institutions, from the principals who define and formulate diplomatic policy, such as presidents, secretaries of state, and labor and immigrant leaders, to the private institutions, such as the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, that influence America's diplomatic, cultural, social, and economic affairs. Monticello, the Virginia home of Thomas Jefferson, a National Historic Landmark, reflects the diplomatic aspirations of the early nation.
Read more about how the United States has worked to address its many interests at home and abroad.