They went on safety systems, being resourceful on food and water +live stock.
They lowered payment for workers.
They increased taxes.
hope this helps :P
I think that the best answer is the geographic location: many other countries (Sweden for example) have tried being neutral at different times but did not manage to: but the fact that the US has only two boundaries, and that both other countries also have a history of fighting from independence from a European power, makes it possible that unless US decideds to get involved in international politics, it can be "left alone".
A.D 476, for a total of 507 years, until taken by the ottoman turks in 1453
A.D 478-1453
After the Civil War, Southern state legislatures attempted to restrict the rights of formerly enslaved persons by "passing Black Codes" which segregated blacks from whites.
