Final answer:
The United States became the world's strongest military force due to its economic growth during WWII, technological innovations, and a surplus in international trade. This, combined with the nation's vast resources and undamaged industrial base, allowed for unprecedented military expansion and global influence.
Step-by-step explanation:
The United States managed to create the strongest military in the world through a combination of factors that included economic prosperity, technological innovation, and an untouched industrial base after World War II. The US population size and vast resources played a crucial role in achieving a global military superpower status. The fall of the Soviet Union further solidified the US's position as the leading military force. Moreover, the dominance in banking and international trade and the status of the American dollar as the world's standard currency greatly contributed to the military funding.
During World War II, the US economy thrived, and American factories out-produced those of other countries, leading to a state of full employment and technological advancements like radar and the atomic bomb. An effective federal investment of over $300 billion ensured superior military capabilities. After the war, the United States had a substantial balance of trade surplus and took the lead in creating a new international order, maintaining both peace and economic prosperity around the world.
Finally, the industrial and technological prowess of the United States post-WWII was unmatched, with a significant portion of the world's manufactured goods being produced within the country. Together with its global reach and rapidly growing installations in Europe, the US cemented its position as an economic and military powerhouse.