Recent American History

What to know

The United States fought in World War I (1914 to 1918) and World War II (1939 to 1945). The country entered World War II in 1941, after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor in Hawaii.

After World War II, the Cold War was a long rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union.

The civil rights movement worked to end racial segregation and discrimination. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led it with nonviolent protest and is honored with a federal holiday. Earlier, in 1920, the 19th Amendment gave women the right to vote.

Key facts to remember

• World War I: 1914 to 1918.
• World War II: 1939 to 1945; the U.S. entered in 1941 after Pearl Harbor.
• Cold War rival: the Soviet Union.
• The civil rights movement fought segregation and discrimination.
• Martin Luther King Jr. championed nonviolent protest.

Read the official study materials

This summary is our own and doesn’t replace the official guide. Read “Recent American History and Other Important Historical Information” in the USCIS study materials on uscis.gov, then test yourself below. Next topic: Geography.