Further to the previous Q. Because Vietnam "kicked their ***" does that mean Vietnam is the most powerful? (It would in boxing)
How can you compare the Roman Empire to America? (Well America uses their alphabet and the Ottoman Empire's numerals)
With nukes aren't Russia, France, China, the U.K etc all capable of annihilating the U.S as unlikely as that'd be?
When has America ever suceeded militarily?
Compared to the failures : Vietnam, Iraq, Somalia, Cuba, Iran (special ops hostage rescue attempt), Nicaragua, Barbary Pirates (1800's). WWII (qualititively if not quantitively against Germany)
Surely in the hierarchy (adjusting for technology) America has to be way down? What do you think?
2006-10-13 06:55:39 · 48 answers · asked by Paul E 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ History
Certainly when it comes to providing a decent living environment for its citizens, the US is a complete failure.
2006-10-13 07:29:47 · answer #1 · answered by lisa_laci 3 · 1⤊ 7⤋
America is still a young state. Till the first world war USA was still weak recovering from the revolution, troubles with Indians, and with Mexico. Just to remind you USA did not go in war Vietnam or Iraq or Afghanistan, USA was resolving a conflict and putting an end to some regimes, so it can't be compared to the roman empire or any other great force through history. The more greater from the roman empire was the Mongolian empire under Gingis Khan conquering almost whole Asia and eastern Europe, or Macedonian empire under Alexander the great who conquered whole south Asia and parts of Africa just in 10 years. Now that's what I call real power.
2006-10-13 07:05:17 · answer #2 · answered by equilibrist 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
As an American that is not the greatest admirer of America, let me say this. What I have to say does not concern the present government of my country.
Judging America by the actions of a few so-called "patriots" is a mistake and error in judgement that ALL people of the world are guilty of - and not only to Americans.
In my travels all over the world, I will admit that Americans don't exactly show their best side to others. Yes, they are arrogant and ingorant to a fault. But they are the first to stand up and defend you if they believe you are getting a raw deal. Who is the first to help in a time of need? Who is the first to defend a country's rights when those rights are being violated?
While I don't believe America should stick its collective nose into other countries' business, I do believe that there is a time when ALL countries should help those that are unable to help themselves. So to all of you that condemn America for its shortcomings, I say this to you. You better hope America is there to help you when you need it. If they don't, you are toast.
I also believe that America has, many times in the past, neglected its own people to help others. I think that should stop immediately and that perhaps helping ourselves first should be our primary concern. But then, how many would belittle America for not helping others?
How soon they forget what America sacrificed for them.
Want to know what I think about America in the Middle East? Remove all aid to ALL the countries and let the whole damn region stew in their own juices. They are all ungrateful for anything ANY country does for them anyway.
Unfortunately for America, we are in a "no win" situation.
2006-10-13 10:41:39 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
We are the bench mark that all all other countries aspire to be. Every other person on this planet wishes they were American. We have the highest standard of living in the world. We are capable of occupying any country in the world and yet we do not need to do that because all people will flock to our greatness. Just like the Roman empire we have military might but where ever we go we assimilate. We win because God is an American and has blessed this country. Our only weakness are the democrats amongst us.
2006-10-13 07:12:36 · answer #4 · answered by Brett S 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Just because America has not succeeded militarily in the places you mentioned, we are still the strongest nation in the world by far in every category. America could topple any government in the world, but no country except maybe Canada and Mexico (because of proximity) could even get a single soldier onto American soil.
2006-10-13 07:00:32 · answer #5 · answered by Wocka wocka 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It definatly hasn't been, but it has been for the last 200 years at least. If you compare it to the Roman Empire, think of america as not taking over as many countries. THe roman empire brought fear and order. tha american's brought huge expensive things! Alot of american technology came from everyhwere else. Their army is the biggest in the world now but that doesn't mean it is good. In the past they haven't had too many success but they have played they're part. And yes other counrties could easily overcome america. But overall america isn't really too special and hasn't been in the past
2006-10-13 07:15:32 · answer #6 · answered by Dean P 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
A well thought out question with lots of fair and historical facts. The reason why the Americans are the most powerful country in the world is:
They are the biggest poluters in the world therefore they are killing the world faster than any other nation, and if you can destroy the world I would say that makes you very powerful indeed.
2006-10-13 07:02:18 · answer #7 · answered by PChill1 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Depends upon how you define powerful.
Q: When has America ever suceeded militarily?
A1: Independence from England
A2: WWII
A3: Bringing democracy to the middle east
(The reason many of those other wars "failed" is because the liberals would not support them. Which side are you now on?)
Consider other measurements as well, such as economic, technology, medicines, foreign aid, etc.
Where did you get this stuff, from some liberal politician like Hillary Clinton?
2006-10-13 06:57:44 · answer #8 · answered by Plasmapuppy 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
In terms of geographic reach, the British empire was much more influential in its heyday, towards the end of the 19th century.
Militarily, the US is currently the strongest in terms of technology, although the Chinese are improving their military technology at a rapid rate.
2006-10-13 07:04:32 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
In the nuclear era, only 3 countries have the capacity for global annhilation, Russia, US and China. The other nuclear powers are in the lower end of the kiloton yields and their stockpiles and deployed ICBMs, SLBMs, and strategic bombers don't come close to the superpowers...sorry.
2006-10-13 09:26:49 · answer #10 · answered by Its not me Its u 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do not underestimate the Chinese the are powerful. And seemingly in the Bible it is mentioned that a yellow race will rule the World not that I have read it. But I quite believe that they could rule the World in the monetary fashion.
2006-10-13 07:29:04 · answer #11 · answered by terrano 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋