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Spoiler alert: Wars, wars, and more wars
You can basically sum up the entire history of the United States with one three-letter word: War.
Since its inception, the United States has formally engaged in military combat overseas and on its own soil hundreds of times. The government has declared unofficial social wars on issues such as terrorism, poverty, and drugs. U.S. residents passionate about perceived injustices have organized mini revolutions in the form of protests, petitions, strikes, and boycotts.
Regardless of whether they’re right or wrong, Americans fight to protect their beliefs.
Historians disagree when the history of the United States began, but the country’s official founding date is July 4th, 1776. This is the date when Congress accepted the Declaration of Independence, a detailed document outlining the United States' wishes to separate from the influence of Britain. The Declaration of Independence was drafted by five men, but Thomas Jefferson created the bulk of its content.
The earlier history of the United States — or prehistory, as some historians say — dates back to 1492, when Christopher Columbus arrived for an uninvited visit during a search for a trade route from Europe to Asia. Columbus and his sailors initially received a warm reception from the…
