--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The twentieth century will be American…" description: "\"“The twentieth century will be American. American thought will dominate it. American progress will give it color and direction. American deeds will mak..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d8f/john-dos-passos-3598_modern-man_the-twentieth-century-will-be-american-a_1172599.jpg" --- # The twentieth century will be American. American thought… ![“The twentieth century will be American. American thought will dominate it. American progress will give it color and direction. American deeds will make it illustrious. Civilization will never lose its hold on Shanghai. Civilization will never depart from Hongkong. The gates of Peking will never…” quote by John dos Passos](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d8f/john-dos-passos-3598_modern-man_the-twentieth-century-will-be-american-a_1172599.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d8f/john-dos-passos-3598_modern-man_the-twentieth-century-will-be-american-a_1172599.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d8f/john-dos-passos-3598_modern-man_the-twentieth-century-will-be-american-a_1172599.jpg) > ““The twentieth century will be American. American thought will dominate it. American progress will give it color and direction. American deeds will make it illustrious. Civilization will never lose its hold on Shanghai. Civilization will never depart from Hongkong. The gates of Peking will never again be closed to the methods of modern man. The regeneration of the world, physical as well as moral, has begun, and revolutions never move backwards.”” [John dos Passos](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-dos-passos/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The quote predicts America’s cultural and political dominance in the 20th century, asserting that its ideas, progress, and actions will shape global civilization, especially in Asia. **In simple terms:** America will lead the world in thought and action. Key Takeaway Recognize the influence of national narratives. Themes power culture globalization history politics Mood optimistic assertive Type political historical When to use this quote - policy analysis - educational curricula - media commentary - international relations - foreign policy Key Concepts American exceptionalism modernization civilizational theory Questions to Reflect On - How does this view affect perceptions of non‑American societies? - What responsibilities come with perceived dominance? A Different Perspective It overlooks the agency of other nations and cultures in shaping global outcomes. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Modern man](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/modern-man/) [Twentieth century](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/twentieth-century/) ## Related quotes > [The 21st century can and must be an American century. It began with terror, war, and economic calamity. 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