Has the story of the u. s. between 1877 and today been one of growing national unity or one of continued and powerful regional differences?

The story can be said to be one of growing national unity in terms of geography, but toward a bipolar USA reshaped by Ideological differences but united with an american Identity of Liberty and capitalism.

The year 1877 marking the end of reconstruction following the compromise after a bitterly contested elections is the genesis of an end to powerfully divisive regional differences, to a shift into an ideologically defined form of politics in terms of liberalism and conservativism that is witnessed today.

a

explanation:

the correct answer option is: weapons.

explanation:

tensions rose as the two opposing superpowers competed for 'weapons'.

referring to the cold war (1945-1991), the two superpowers, usa and ussr, experienced a phase of struggle and conflict with each other. these two superpowers considered each other as a threat to their survival and thus opted for policies to strengthen their positions.

the two superpowers never went to war with each other directly but competed for weapons to preserve their positions.