By John Tozzi

GM's Rise and Decline

General Motors was the quintessential American company of the 20th century. At its peak, it sold more than 50% of all cars and trucks in America. Now, facing a June 1 government-imposed deadline to restructure or be forced into bankruptcy, GM is frantically trying to reinvent itself as a smaller, more viable automaker. Click ahead for a glimpse at the history of this storied company.