WWII: After Japan's surrender, America occupies Japan.

1950s:On September 8, 1951, the United States and Japan sign a security pact that permits U.S. troops to remain on Japanese soil while any other nation must have U.S. permission to enter Japan.

Today: In response to missile tests by North Korea, Japan and the United States invest in the deployment of Strategic Defense Initiatives, also known as Star Wars.

WWII:The United States is the first nation to use a nuclear bomb in war.

1950s: In 1951, the United States stages the first military maneuvers involving troops and nuclear bombs.

Today:The United States has been unwilling to deter the spread of nuclear weapons and has made it nearly impossible for Russia to ratify SALT II, a treaty that massively reduces the number of armed nuclear missiles.

WWII: America's productive capacity makes the United States the...