It's been 150 years since settlers from Western Europe, mostly fleeing poverty, famine, or

西方定居者已經150年了 歐洲，主要是逃離貧困，飢荒，或

religious and political persecution, first arrived on the continent.

首先是宗教和政治迫害 抵達大陸。

Their arrival came at the expense of millions of native Americans

他們的到來是以犧牲數百萬美國本土人為代價的

who lived there for thousands of years, mostly in tribes.

他們在那裡生活了數千年，主要是在部落中。

On the East Coast, Great Britain has established colonies inhabited by 1.5 million people.

在東海岸，英國已經建立 殖民地居住著150萬人。

The northern regions depend mainly on fishing and trade, while in the south,

北部地區主要依靠捕魚 和貿易，而在南部，

the climate is ideal for growing products such as tobacco, rice and cotton.

氣候非常適合種植煙草，大米和棉花等產品。

Rich landowners - called the Planters - seize vast territories that they exploit by buying

豐富的土地所有者 - 稱為種植者 - 抓住 他們通過購買開拓的廣闊領土

slaves from Africa, via the triangular trade.

來自非洲的奴隸，通過三角貿易。

Further west, the Appalachian mountains form a natural boundary.

再往西，阿巴拉契亞山脈形成 一個自然的邊界。

Beyond it, is the vast French colony, which lives mainly off the fur trade.

除此之外，是廣大的法國殖民地，主要生活在毛皮貿易之外。

Tensions rise between the French and British colonies.

法國和英國之間的緊張局勢升級 群落。

When the Seven Years' War breaks out in Europe, Britain dominates and takes hold of New France.

當七年戰爭在歐洲爆發時，英國占主導地位並掌握新法蘭西。

Native American tribes living there unite to demand the departure of the British and

生活在那裡的美洲原住民部落團結起來 要求英國和英國的離開

the recognition of their own state.

承認自己的國家。

To calm the situation, the British government hurriedly carves out an Indian reservation

為了平息局勢，英國政府 趕緊劃出印第安人的預訂

between the Appalachians, the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes.

阿巴拉契亞人，密西西比人之間 河流和五大湖。

This does not please the colonists who wanted to seize the opportunity to extend their territories to the west.

對於那些想抓住機會將領土擴展到西部的殖民者來說，這並不令人高興。

In addition, war proves costly for Britain.

此外，戰爭證明對英國來說代價高昂。

The country expects its colonies to repay part of its debts through new taxes,

該國希望其殖民地能夠償還 部分債務通過新稅收，

which further angers the settlers.

這進一步激怒了定居者。

In Boston, in protest of taxes on tea, colonists disguised as Native Americans climb on board

在波士頓，抗議茶稅，殖民者 偽裝成美洲原住民登上船

British East India Company ships and throw out its tea cargo into the ocean.

英國東印度公司船舶投擲 把它的茶貨送到海裡。

With the situation tense, representatives from 12 colonies gather in Philadelphia

隨著形勢緊張，代表們 12個殖民地聚集在費城

to organize the First Continental Congress.

組織第一屆大陸會議。

They decide to boycott British goods.

他們決定抵制英國商品。

The following year, the War of Independence breaks out, pitting the insurgents --

次年，獨立戰爭 爆發，使叛亂分子陷入困境 -

also called the patriots -- against the British and its loyalists.

也稱為愛國者 - 反對英國人 和它的忠誠者。

On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress proclaims the independence

1776年7月4日，第二屆大陸會議宣布獨立

of the United States of America.

美利堅合眾國

France sees an opportunity to avenge its defeat in the Seven Years' War.

法國認為有機會為失敗報仇 在七年戰爭中。

Having invested heavily in its military fleet, the country has the means to compete with the Royal Navy.

該國在其軍事艦隊上投入了大量資金，因此有能力與皇家海軍競爭。

France allies with the patriots.

法國與愛國者隊結盟。

Spain and the United Provinces of the Netherlands, in turn, go to war against Great Britain.

西班牙和荷蘭聯合省， 反過來，對英國開戰。

In 1783, the patriots prevail, forcing Britain to recognize the independence of the country.

1783年，愛國者佔上風，迫使英國 承認國家的獨立性。

The United States receives territories until Mississippi, while Spain seizes Florida.

美國直到收到領土 密西西比州，而西班牙佔領了佛羅里達州。

This marks the first time a European colony gains independence.

這標誌著歐洲殖民地第一次出現 獲得獨立。

The United States adopts a constitution based on a strict separation of powers.

美國採用憲法為基礎 嚴格分權。

The legislative power formed by Congress passes laws and budgets,

國會通過的立法權力通過 法律和預算，

the judiciary with the Supreme Court upholds the constitution,

最高法院的司法機構維護憲法，

and finally there is the executive power with the US president, the head of government.

最後，與美國總統，政府首腦有行政權力。

On the other hand, the 13 states retain sovereignty with their own constitution and governor.

另一方面，13個州保留了主權 與自己的憲法和州長。

It was decided to build the new capital, Washington, along the Potomac River.

決定建造新首都華盛頓， 沿著波托馬克河。

In the West, each new territory with at least 60,000 free citizens would be allowed to form

在西方，每個新領土至少有 將允許60,000名免費公民參加

a new state equal to the others.

一個與​​其他國家相等的新國家。

Pioneers set off to relocate there, pushing back Amerindian tribes further west of the Mississippi River.

先驅們開始搬遷到那裡，推回密西西比河以西的美洲印第安人部落。

In 1800, France obtained Louisiana from Spain in exchange for the kingdom of Etruria.

1800年，法國從西班牙獲得路易斯安那州 以換取伊特魯里亞王國。

But it proves difficult to protect this vast, far-away & relatively less known territory.

但事實證明很難保護這個巨大的， 遙遠且相對鮮為人知的領土。

Fearing the loss of Louisiana to the United Kingdom in war, France decides to sell the

擔心路易斯安那州失去聯合國 戰爭中的王國，法國決定出售

region to the United States.

地區到美國。

Congress then funds expeditions to explore and reach the Pacific Ocean.

然後國會資助探險隊進行探索 並到達太平洋。

In Europe, France and the UK clash again.

在歐洲，法國和英國再次發生衝突。

The United States first tries to remain neutral, but following tensions with Britain, enters the war.

美國首先試圖保持中立， 但隨著與英國的緊張關係，進入戰爭。

It fails in a bid to invade the colony of Canada, as a British maritime raid

它無法入侵殖民地 加拿大，作為英國海上突襲

reaches Washington and burns the city.

到達華盛頓並燒毀這座城市。

At the end of the war, the United States abandons its ambitions in the north

在戰爭結束時，美國放棄了 它在北方的野心

and focuses on the south where the Spanish Empire is in decline.

並關注西班牙帝國衰落的南方。

A military incursion in Florida allows -- after negotiations -- the annexation of the territory.

在佛羅里達州的軍事入侵允許 - 之後 談判 - 吞併領土。

In the West, Oregon is shared with the United Kingdom.

在西方，俄勒岡州與美國共享 王國。

East of the Mississippi, five Amerindian tribes are adapted to the settlers' sedentary

密西西比河東部，五個美洲印第安人部落 適應定居者的久坐

and agrarian lifestyle, but Congress nevertheless decides to take over the land

和農業生活方式，但國會 決定接管土地

and pushes the natives to a reserve west of the Mississippi.

並將當地人推到密西西比河以西的保護區。

Thousands die of exhaustion on the way.

成千上萬的人在途中疲憊不堪。

In Mexico, Texas, which is populated mainly by settlers from the United States, declares its independence.

在墨西哥，主要由美國定居者居住的德克薩斯州宣布獨立。

After a war, the Republic of Texas is created and in 1845 is annexed to the United States.

戰爭結束後，德克薩斯州共和國成立 並於1845年併入美國。

But as the border is poorly defined, both countries are at war.

但由於邊界定義不明確，兩者都有 國家處於戰爭狀態。

The United States prevails and takes the opportunity to annex New Mexico and California,

美國占上風並抓住機會 兼併新墨西哥州和加利福尼亞州

where the discovery of gold causes a rush that attracts hundreds of thousands of pioneers of all origins.

黃金的發現引起了一股吸引力 成千上萬的各種起源先驅。

With the land route proving dangerous, private funds are invested in the construction of a railway in Panama.

由於土地路線證明是危險的，私人資金投資於巴拿馬的鐵路建設。

The state of California is admitted, which does not have slavery.

加利福尼亞州被接納，其中 沒有奴隸制。

Southern states are largely agrarian, and have slavery; while Northern states are industrial and abolitionist.

南方各州主要是農業，並且有奴隸制;北方各州是工業和廢奴主義者。

Both sides wish to extend their model to the new western states, causing the gap between them to widen.

雙方都希望將他們的模式擴展到新的西部各州，導致他們之間的差距擴大。

In 1860, Abraham Lincoln, who is hostile to slavery, is elected president of the country.

1860年，亞伯拉罕林肯，誰是敵對的 奴隸制，當選為國家總統。

In response, southern states secede from the United States one by one and band together

作為回應，南方各州脫離了國家 美國一個接一個地和樂隊在一起

to proclaim the Confederate States of America.

宣布美國同盟國。

Then begins the Civil War which pits the Unionists of the North against the Confederates of the South.

然後開始內戰，聯盟主義者 北方對抗南方同盟國。

The North sets up a maritime blockade on the Atlantic coast, cutting out any potential

朝鮮建立了海上封鎖 大西洋沿岸，切斷任何潛力

support from Europe and blocking cotton exports.

來自歐洲的支持和阻止棉花出口。

In 1865, the North prevails and takes the opportunity to impose its policies.

在1865年，北方佔上風並取得了成功 施加政策的機會。

Slavery is abolished, and 3.5 million slaves are freed.

奴隸制被廢除，350萬奴隸 被釋放了。

But African-Americans are now victims of segregation and racism, especially through the emergence

但非裔美國人現在是種族隔離的受害者 和種族主義，特別是通過出現

of Ku Klux Klan, a white supremacist organization.

白人至上主義組織Ku Klux Klan

Many migrate to the North, while others move to cities.

許多人遷移到北方，而其他人遷移 去城市。

The Russian Empire fears losing Alaska to Britain, so chooses to sell the territory

俄羅斯帝國害怕失去阿拉斯加 英國選擇出售該地區

to the United States.

到美國。

To accelerate its conquest of the West, the government finances the construction

為了加速征服西方，政府為建設提供資金

of transcontinental railway lines.

橫貫大陸的鐵路線。

In the center of the country, the invention of new machinery allows intensive agriculture.

在該國的中心，發明 新機器允許集約化農業。

Vast plantations of wheat, corn and large pastures are set up at the expense of the

廣闊的小麥，玉米和大型種植園 牧場是以犧牲的為代價建立的

last 250,000 Amerindians who are kept on reserves.

持續儲備的最後250,000名美洲印第安人。

On the other hand, the rich soil allows rapid development of industry.

另一方面，肥沃的土壤允許快速 發展工業。

The old continent, Europe, now views the United States as an El Dorado.

歐洲這個古老的大陸現在看到了美國 國家作為埃爾多拉多。

Fleeing poverty and religious persecution, many Southern and Eastern Europeans migrate

逃離貧困和宗教迫害， 許多南歐和東歐人遷移

to the United States where they work as cheap labor.

到美國，他們的工作便宜 勞工。

But the economic boom only benefits a minority.

但經濟繁榮只會使少數人受益。

An elite group of industrialists grows rich quickly by establishing monopolies in sectors

一群精英的工業家變得富裕起來 迅速通過建立行業壟斷

such as steel, railways, oil and banks at the expense of workers and peasants,

如鋼鐵，鐵路，石油和銀行 工人和農民的代價，

including women and children working in harsh conditions.

包括在惡劣條件下工作的婦女和兒童。

Strikes and protests erupt demanding better conditions, but these are often met with violence

罷工和抗議活動要求更好 條件，但這些往往遭到暴力

by private militias or the National Guard.

私人民兵或國民警衛隊。

While European powers colonize a large part of the world, the United States also looks

雖然歐洲大國在很大程度上殖民 對世界而言，美國也是如此

to project its power on the international scene.

把它的力量投射到國際上 現場。

While annexing Hawaii in the middle of the Pacific, the country turns to Cuba

在兼併夏威夷的中間 太平洋，該國轉向古巴

where there is a revolt against the Spanish.

哪裡有對西班牙人的反抗。

The United States supports Cuban independentists.

美國支持古巴獨立主義者。

After the mysterious explosion of a US Navy ship in the port of Havana,

在美國海軍的神秘爆炸之後 船在哈瓦那港，

war breaks out between Spain and the United States.

西班牙和美國之間爆發了戰爭。

The United States wins, obtains the independence of Cuba and seizes Puerto Rico, Guam and the Philippines.

美國獲勝，獲得古巴獨立，佔領波多黎各，關島和菲律賓。

The country thus becomes a colonial power.

因此，這個國家成為殖民大國。

In Colombia, a French company begins construction of a canal that would connect the two oceans,

在哥倫比亞，一家法國公司開始建設 連接兩個海洋的運河，

greatly shortening the journey between the US East and west Coast.

大大縮短了之間的旅程 美國東西海岸。

The United States buys the project and then intervenes to support the independence of Panama.

然後美國購買該項目 介入以支持巴拿馬的獨立。

In return, the new government of Panama offers the United States a strip of land,

作為回報，巴拿馬新政府提供 美國一片土地，

which helps complete the construction of the canal, inaugurated in 1914.

這有助於完成運河的建設，於1914年落成。

In Europe, World War I begins.

在歐洲，第一次世界大戰開始。

With workers and peasants on the frontlines, industry on the continent slows down.

工人和農民在前線， 非洲大陸的工業放緩。

The US industry takes advantage of this and -- despite the country's neutrality in the war

美國工業利用了這一點和 - 儘管該國在戰爭中保持中立

-- sells on credit ammunition, food, clothes and automobiles to the Entente countries.

- 出售信貸彈藥，食品，衣服 和協調國家的汽車。

In response, Germany tries to impose a maritime blockade by sinking merchant ships in British waters.

作為回應，德國試圖強加海事 在英國水域沉船的封鎖

In 1917, a German telegram destined for Mexico is intercepted, proposing a military alliance

1917年，一封德國電報發往墨西哥 被截獲，提議建立軍事聯盟

against the United States.

反對美國。

This pushes the United States to go to war on the side of the Entente,

這促使美國發動戰爭 在協約方面，

and 2 million soldiers are sent to European fronts.

200萬名士兵被派往歐洲戰線。

116,000 soldiers lose their lives.

116,000名士兵喪生。

After the victory of the Entente, Europe finds itself indebted to the United States.

在協約獲勝後，歐洲發現了 本身感激美國。

The economy of the US prospers.

美國的經濟繁榮。

In factories, improvements in the assembly line cause production to skyrocket and decrease prices.

在工廠，裝配的改進 生產線急劇下滑並降低價格。

The rise in purchasing power and credit results in a boom for the sale of cars,

購買力和信貸結果的上升 在汽車銷售熱潮中，

all kinds of appliances, and bank shares.

各種電器和銀行股。

Hollywood becomes a major industry with global influence.

好萊塢成為全球的主要產業 影響。

Thanks to the sale of radios, music genres such as jazz become popular.

由於出售收音機，音樂流派 如爵士樂變得流行。

In New York mainly, night clubs open, stimulating the sale of alcohol.

在紐約主要是夜總會開放，刺激 出售酒精。

The more conservative government tries to stem the phenomenon by voting for prohibition,

更保守的政府試圖 通過投票禁止來阻止這種現象，

forbidding the production, transport or sale of alcohol.

禁止生產，運輸或銷售 酒精

In response, thousands of speakeasies spring up throughout the country.

作為回應，成千上萬的人們湧現出來 遍布全國各地。

Mafia networks seize the market and get rich quickly.

黑手黨網絡搶占市場並致富 很快。

Meanwhile, the South misses out on this wave of prosperity.

與此同時，南方錯過了這一浪潮 繁榮

Falling prices for agricultural products plunge the region into poverty.

農產品價格暴跌 該地區陷入貧困。

The Ku Klux Klan comes back into prominence,

Ku Klux Klan重新成名，

this time also targeting Catholics, Jews and immigrants in addition to African-Americans.

這次也是針對非洲裔美國人的天主教徒，猶太人和移民。

The organization reaches 5 million members, and is then banned after several lynching episodes.

該組織達到500萬會員， 然後在幾次私刑事件後被禁止。

In 1929, the Wall Street Stock Market crash takes place.

1929年，華爾街股市崩盤 發生了。

The US economy collapses.

美國經濟崩潰。

In a few short years, a string of bankruptcies of companies and banks

在短短的幾年裡，一連串的破產 公司和銀行

pushes a quarter of the active population into unemployment.

將四分之一的活躍人口推向失業。

Prohibition is lifted, and steps are taken to try to revive the economy and improve working conditions.

取消禁令，並採取措施，以恢復經濟和改善工作條件。

In Europe, World War II breaks out.

在歐洲，第二次世界大戰爆發。

The United States, although officially neutral, prepares for war by reinstating military service.

美國雖然官方中立，但 通過恢復兵役為戰爭做準備。

In addition, the country sells arms mainly to the United Kingdom and the USSR.

此外，該國主要銷售武器 到英國和蘇聯。

In the Pacific Ocean, in order to curb the expansion of imperialist Japan allied to Nazi Germany,

在太平洋，為了遏制 帝國主義日本與納粹德國結盟的擴張，

the United States imposes upon the country an embargo on steel and oil.

美國強加給了美國 國家對鋼鐵和石油的禁運。

In response, Japan launches a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, causing the United States to enter the war.

作為回應，日本對珍珠港發動突然襲擊，導緻美國捲入戰爭。

The country secretly embarks upon a research program to create the atomic bomb.

該國秘密開展了一項研究 製造原子彈的計劃。

In 1945, the Allies overcome Germany.

1945年，盟軍戰勝德國。

The USSR and the United States then unite against Japan.

然後蘇聯和美國團結起來 反對日本。

A ground invasion by the Soviets and the two atomic bombs dropped by the United States

蘇聯和兩人的地面入侵 原子彈被美國拋棄

on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki force Japan to surrender.

在廣島和長崎市的力量 日本投降。

At the end of the war, the United States supports the creation of the United Nations whose primary

在戰爭結束時，美國支持 建立主要的聯合國

role is to maintain peace and security in the world.

作用是維護和平與安全 世界。

Europe finds itself in ruins and is exhausted by war.

歐洲處於廢墟之中並且已經筋疲力盡 靠戰爭。

The United States and the USSR emerge as the two great world powers.

美國和蘇聯應運而生 兩個偉大的世界大國。

After World War II, the USSR and the United States try and peddle their influence in Europe.

第二次世界大戰後，蘇聯和美國 各國試圖在歐洲兜售他們的影響力。

The United States implements the Marshall Plan, while the Soviet Union supports pro-communist

美國實施馬歇爾 計劃，而蘇聯支持親共產主義

governments in Eastern countries.

東方國家的政府。

The old continent is found divided by the Iron Curtain.

舊大陸被發現分為 鐵幕。

The USSR and the United States engage in a cold war -- that is an arms race without direct confrontation.

蘇聯和美國進行冷戰 - 這是一場沒有直接對抗的軍備競賽。

The US, largely spared the ravages of war on its territory, has an industrial, economic

美國在很大程度上避免了戰爭的蹂躪 在其領土上，有工業，經濟

and military advantage.

和軍事優勢。

Inside the country, federal officials sympathetic to communist ideas are dismissed.

在國內，聯邦官員同情 共產主義思想被駁回。

Hollywood is also used to churn out anti-communist propaganda.

好萊塢也被用來製造反共產主義 宣傳。

On the global arena, the country employs an interventionist policy, aimed at stemming

在全球舞台上，該國僱用了一個 干預政策，旨在遏制

at all costs the spread of communism.

不惜一切代價傳播共產主義。

The US intervenes in Greece, China, and engages its military in Korea and Vietnam.

美國介入希臘，中國和參與 它在韓國和越南的軍事。

The Soviet Union, for its part, invests heavily to catch up with the US.

就其本身而言，蘇聯投入巨資 趕上美國。

After developing atomic weapons of its own, it becomes the first country to send a satellite

在開發了自己的原子武器之後， 它成為第一個發送衛星的國家

into orbit, and further outdoes itself by sending the first man into space.

進入軌道，並進一步超越自己 將第一個人送入太空。

The United States then launches the Apollo program

然後美國發射阿波羅 程序

which aims to send the first astronaut to the Moon.

旨在將第一位宇航員送上月球。

In Cuba, an attempt to overthrow the new communist government fails.

在古巴，企圖推翻新共產主義者 政府失敗了。

The Soviet Union takes advantage to ally with the country, and installs nuclear missiles

蘇聯利用與盟友的盟友 國家，並安裝核導彈

on its territory, pointed at the United States.

在其領土上，指著美國。

Tensions build to a point where it seemed a third world war was imminent.

緊張局勢達到了一定程度 第三次世界大戰迫在眉睫。

However, an accord is reached between the two world powers, resulting in the USSR withdrawing from Cuba.

但是，兩個世界大國達成了協議，導致蘇聯撤出古巴。

Within the country, more and more civil rights movements gain momentum, forcing the government

在國內，越來越多的民權 運動獲得動力，迫使政府

to review its social policies.

審查其社會政策。

African-Americans begin non-violent actions to combat segregation.

非洲裔美國人開始採取非暴力行動 打擊種族隔離。

More and more women enter the workforce and demand equal pay.

越來越多的女性進入勞動力市場 要求同工同酬。

Native Americans also fight for better conditions.

美國原住民也為更好的條件而戰。

Moreover, with the US at war in Vietnam, students and hippie pacifist movements call for peace.

而且，隨著美國在越南的戰爭，學生 和平嬉皮士的和平主義運動呼籲和平。

In 1969, the country sends the first man to the moon.

1969年，該國派出第一名男子 月亮。