Temporarily re-joining the British Commonwealth in both world wars (eventually) Sending people to the moon

I'd have to say space flight & the Apollo missions. Not only did this help in the development of numerous technologies but...... its space, how cool!

I'm thinking of ANYTHING, inventions, techonology, actions, guidance, good example, leadership, advancement, human rights, sports, intercessions between countries experience conflict, resolving conflicts when necessary, beginning conflicts for the good of others, etc.

A national park is an American concept that has spread all over the world....a benefit to man and nature. Bifocal eyeglasses were invented by an American citizen....people all over the world benefit from them. The Internet was developed by the American military....a benefit to all who use it.

Entertainment... Pizza... .. . .. . umm.... i can't think of anything else at the moment...

Mandating the Abolition of Slavery is a pretty big one. Ref. http://wiki.answers.com/Q/When_did_slavery_end_in_north_america This was a model that has helped serve as a base for many civil liberty and human rights movements around the globe Although slavery and forced labor still exists today, it's still something to wonder about, if the US didn't put this into law back then, what would the worldview on this look like today I also see the negative view of American intervention as being a 'rotten apple scenario' as all it has taken is the action of very few to soil the view of the whole nation in some peoples eyes I see the only solution to solving the tyrannical actions of organized exploitation of other nations in the name of America would be to force those individuals to pay dearly in every sense, to set an example for others who might think of doing something to hurt the image of the rest of the people but thinking of other things that can be said to be an inarguable example of a good thing America has done leads me to question weather any nation is responsible for the welfare of the rest of the world. I would say no, it's not, and part of, if not most of the problems stem from American politicians thinking they are responsible for the welfare of other nations, in turn neglecting the people they are supposed to be serving. Obama has been to me a great example of this misdirected exuberance. Being friendly to a nation doesn't mean you have to fill their pockets or constantly assure them you're on their side. Because if all nations focus on the liberty and basic human rights of all individuals there is little more you need to reassure anyone of.

Pornography

1. Invaded just about every country in the world 2. Meddled and distabled the rest 3. Kill people by the millions 4. Bomb, bomb, bomb 5. Invade, conquer and possess 6. Kill, maim, torture, rob, pillage 7. Chaos and mayhem 8. Give power and money to those who don't deserve it so that they can carry on the madness 9. Screw the world 10. Oppress the poor 11. Empower the tyrants Oh, I'm sorry, I just realized that you said "for the good of the world..." -- Hmmmm...I'm thinking...thinking... And, FYI, criticism of the obvious is not hate but I guess you had to throw that in to sound mighty and just and patriotic...denial is a fine American/Christian trait so carry on and make sure you keep your hand over your eyes so as not to see the obvious! Can I get back to you on that?

There are plenty of good things that America has done: 1. Came in (albeit late) on the side of the Allies in World War 2 to expedite the defeat of some of the most evil regimes ever. 2. Space Flight - sent man to the moon, and has for most of the time being the world's only space faring nation. 3. Created great Television, Film and Music for the world to enjoy. 4. Deposed the Taliban and Saddam Hussein ( i know many people disagree with these wars and the legality of them) but even the most ardent anti-war protestor must agree that these 2 regimes where ethically unsound. 5. Provided great literature. 6. Provided great arhitecture and engineering. 7. Streamlined production techniques (eg Henry Ford) to make what where once luxury products available to the masses. 8. Fought an ideological cold war which held the Soviet Union at bay, not wanting to get too political, but the old USSR had a big problem with personal freedoms and liberties. I could go on, at the end of the day, yes the US has it's failings - but so does every other country in the world. However, sometimes we forget that is has contributed a lot of positives to the world. The likelihood is that it won't really be appreciated until is replaced by a more draconian world power such as China.

Aeroplanes. The wright brothers,

I love the fact that despite 10 answers and several thoughtful discussions, this question is rated as overall "unhelpful". Just proves my point that there is a lot of unjustified, irrational hatred of America. In fact, simply pointing out the hatred of America brings that hatred to the surface. We've barely hit the tip of the iceberg in terms of the things that America has contributed to the world. Thank God that our country is mostly filled with patriots who don't believe that America is evil, and who also work hard to keep us strong enough to be able to execute justice when we are wronged. From a purely pragmatic perspective, the haters of America really don't matter that much, because they have no power to harm us, for the most part. It's something that gets under my skin, however. Thanks to everyone for the answers, even the ones from the America haters, you've done a lot to prove my point for me. Thanks!

We have helped out many countries financially putting ourselves in debt. Unfortunately when it comes time for most of these countries to pay us back, all of a sudden we are evil and they hate us.

They give food to some very poor countries as do most first world countries. The problem is the warlords in these poor nations take the food and supplies.

Saw on the History Channel today that NYC was the first city in the world to build a power plant (1882) and provide electricity to its residents. Also saw that Thomas Edison spent $40,000 (a lot of money back then) developing a usable light bulb.