United States of America

The first inhabitants of America were the Indians. As of the 16th century Europeans established colonies in the "new world" and brought in slaves from Africa. The British colonies declared their independence and founded the United States in 1776. A conflict over state rights and slavery led to the Civil War of 1861-63. In the second half of the 19th century the United States became a major economic power, through mass immigration from Europe, industrialization and expansion to the west. The American Indians were forced onto reservations or into assimilation. In the 20th century the United States emerged as a political and military power, confronting the communist block. Since the end of the cold war it is the only super power. Immigration in the 20th century, especially from Latin America and Asia, has contributed to the great diversity of the society. Christianity came to the US with the settlers. All the major traditions and denominations are present. The Great Awakenings of the 19th century have played a major role in the emergence of the Evangelical, Holiness, Pentecostal and Charismatic movements and their extension in the world. The African American churches were at the heart of the Civil Rights movement in the 1950-60s which brought an end to racial segregation. New forms of church, e.g. megachurches, non-denominational churches, have originated in the US and spread to other countries. The Catholic Church is the single largest church. Baptists make up 33 percent of the Protestants and independents, Pentecostals 18 percent, and non-denominational Evangelicals and Charismatics 12 percent. Almost all the Orthodox patriarchates have archdioceses or dioceses in the US and are integrated in the society. The National Council of Churches is the ecumenical body, and the National Association of Evangelicals is affiliated with the WEA.