It was the dawn of the American century, a time of optimism, progress, and confidence. Yet the 19th century's final year would prove to be a turning point. American troops are sent overseas for the first time, a public debate rages over sex and morality, racial tensions threaten to explode, and the pace of technological change propels everyone into the unknown. Features archival film and photographs.

Follows a group of young men and women, including Jack London, Harry Truman, and Wilbur and Orville Wright, from January 1, 1900 through December 31 of the same year and discusses the experiences they had during a time of great change in America.