This is for the most part true, especially with regard to the Civil War (which was fought over the issue of slavery) and the Second World War (in which many African Americans fought and during which time many women participated heavily in the work force).
Answer:
George Washington was a pivotal figure in the French and Indian War from the earliest days. For Washington the French and Indian War started in late 1753, when he was selected as the British emissary to the French frontier establishment. It ended with the fall of Fort Duquesne to the combined British and colonial forces. He was a young and ambitious man when he volunteered. His actions--which reflected his lack of experience--and his ambitions helped determine the course of the war.
Peter the Great's goal of westernization was to modernize Russia who he believed had fallen behind the advancements of Europe. He aimed to change political, economic, and social customs which he felt made Russia out of date with an evolving Europe. Europe had been experiencing a growth of scientific and intellectual knowledge through the Enlightenment. Political changes as well as moves toward colonization and industrialization had begun.
Peter required western dress and removal of beards for those attending his court. He moved the capital to the western edge of Russia in newly acquired land which was built to mimic the most modern of European cities. He moved Russia to the Julian calendar, ended arranged marriages, created tax reform, and advanced the military to a modern one.
