Media Library

A 4000 mile trade route the winds through mountains, deserts and plains linking Europe to China. In 1271 Marco Polo left Venice, Italy on a journey of 4000 miles to China. His book, "The Travels of Marco Polo," opened the trade routes to greater traffic as cultures, ideas and goods from the west and east were exchanged and great fortunes were made on the Silk Road.

This final lesson reflects upon American identity, freedom, and equality from the perspectives of our recurring experts, as well as our featured family members. Looking forward, we examine how we might secure a more perfect union for our posterity.

America had to adjust its role in the world in the late 20th century. The end of the Cold War, Americas continued involvement in the Middle East, and how American policymakers defined U.S. interests in a complicated and often violent world is analyzed.

The American economy headed in a different direction in the late 20th century. Why did this happen? What did it mean? Public policy, the effects of technology, the changing nature of work and the workforce, and the decline of organized labor are examined.