The processes by which a distinctively American identity was created and changed over time
Describe and analyze the processes by which a distinctively American identity was created and changed over time. What historical forces and events helped to forge this identity? In what specific ways has this identity been contested? Has this identity been broad and inclusive, or has it tended to create un-American or non-American “Others?”
Sample Answer
The creation and evolution of a distinctively American identity has been a complex and ongoing process, shaped by a variety of historical forces and events. Some of the most important of these include:
- The American Revolution: The American Revolution was a watershed moment in the development of American identity. The Declaration of Independence, in particular, articulated a set of ideals that would come to be seen as central to Americanness, including liberty, equality, and self-government.
- The westward expansion: The westward expansion of the United States in the 19th century brought together people from different cultures and backgrounds, and helped to forge a common American identity. The idea of Manifest Destiny, which held that the United States was destined to expand across the continent, also played a role in this process.