In the stable wealthy parts of Europe & North America, a small portion of the increase in wealth created after 1945 has moved and spread itself further down the line to the new middle classes. The issue I was concerned to express was the overall direction of wealth distribution across the world after 1945; powerful literature has grown up to challenge the status quo.

‘The American century’ is considered the 20th century after 1945. From this time onwards, until the 21st century when China came again on to the world stage, America reigned supreme. This and the next several blogs will outline the framework and the choices she made to achieve global supremacy.

Unlike the earlier global powers, the US government and their think tanks carefully considered their options and structures. The earlier imperial powers had been led in the main by adventurers and privately financed enterprises. After 1945, American imperial expansion was led by her Government. And she knew the institutions which she wished to create to achieve world dominance.

Perhaps the most important historical global change after the defeat of Germany and Japan in 1945 was the USA taking over world power.