The Atomic Bombing of Hiroshima: The Public Explanation (1945)
Harry S. Truman
We are now prepared to obliterate more rapidly and completely every productive enterprise the Japanese have above ground in any city. We shall destroy their docks, their factories, and their communications. Let there be no mistake; we shall completely destroy Japan's power to make war.
It was to spare the Japanese people from utter destruction that the ultimatum of July 26 was issued at Potsdam. Their leaders promptly rejected that ultimatum. If they do not now accept our terms they may expect a rain of ruin from the air, the like of which has never been seen on this earth. Behind this air attack will follow sea and land forces in such numbers and power as they have not yet seen and with the fighting skill of which they are already well aware.
-The global position of the United States at the end of World War II represents the culmination of an expansion of power that began during the

Question

The Atomic Bombing of Hiroshima: The Public Explanation (1945) 
Harry S. Truman
We are now prepared to obliterate more rapidly and completely every productive enterprise the Japanese have above ground in any city. We shall destroy their docks, their factories, and their communications. Let there be no mistake; we shall completely destroy Japan's power to make war.
It was to spare the Japanese people from utter destruction that the ultimatum of July 26 was issued at Potsdam. Their leaders promptly rejected that ultimatum. If they do not now accept our terms they may expect a rain of ruin from the air, the like of which has never been seen on this earth. Behind this air attack will follow sea and land forces in such numbers and power as they have not yet seen and with the fighting skill of which they are already well aware.
-The global position of the United States at the end of World War II represents the culmination of an expansion of power that began during the

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The global position of the United States at the end of World War II, as a dominant world power, was the culmination of an expansion that began during the Gilded Age, a period marked by rapid industrialization, technological advancement, and economic growth.

The Atomic Bombing of Hiroshima: the Public Explanation (1945)