What mark will we leave on history?

In American history, we learn by decade.

Each decade is defined by something. The 1910's had World War I. The Roaring 20's were times of growth and extravagance. Then came the Great Depression of the 30's, followed closely by World War II of the 40's. The 50's led to the beginning of the Cold War (most notably the Korean War) and the cult of domesticity. The 60's continued the Cold War in Vietnam and is marked by the Civil Rights Movement. The 70's had Watergate and the end of the Vietnam War and the start of diasporas. The 80's was Reagan and Michael Jackson. The 90's begins the conflicts in the Middle East and scandal in the Oval Office. The 2000's were defined by 9/11, Afghanistan, and Iraq, along with the natural devastation of Katrina, but also the first black president.

What now?
How will we be defined?

Will we be known for civil unrest and terror?
Libya, Syria, Egypt, and so many more, now including Ukraine. Boston marathon bombings and so many school shootings.

Will we be known for an environmental meltdown?
BP's oil spill and Fukushima's nuclear disaster, in addition to severe weather like Haiyan.

Will we be known for an even greater technological boom?
Smartphones, iPhones, iPads, and more.

Will we be known for social change?
Occupy movements, same-sex marriage, the boycott of the Russian Olympics, outcry for immigration reform.


We're not even half-way through the decade, but already there are so many possibilities. What will happen?



To be honest, this was inspired by the current events happening in Ukraine. I couldn't help but feel deja vu. How many times have we been witness to civil unrest that threatened our("good ol' American") sense of safety? Would we be known for it? History tends to remember the bad times, rather than the good ones.