The processes by which a distinctively American identity was created and changed over time

Full Answer Section

   

• The Civil War: The Civil War was a major turning point in American history, and it also had a significant impact on American identity. The war helped to solidify the idea of a unified American nation, and it also led to the emancipation of African Americans, which had a profound impact on the meaning of American freedom.
• The 20th century: The 20th century saw the United States emerge as a global superpower, and this also had a significant impact on American identity. The United States became a melting pot of cultures, and its values and ideals were exported around the world. However, the 20th century also saw the rise of racism, nativism, and other forms of intolerance, which challenged the inclusive nature of American identity.

The American identity has also been contested in a variety of ways. Some groups, such as Native Americans and African Americans, have argued that their cultures and histories have been marginalized or erased from the dominant narrative of American identity. Others, such as immigrants and religious minorities, have faced discrimination and prejudice. Despite these challenges, the American identity has remained remarkably resilient. The ideals of liberty, equality, and opportunity continue to be powerful magnets for people from all over the world. And while the meaning of American identity has evolved over time, it remains a powerful force for unity and hope. In terms of whether the American identity has been broad and inclusive, or has tended to create un-American or non-American “Others,” the answer is both. The United States has always been a nation of immigrants, and its culture has been shaped by a variety of different traditions. However, there have also been times when the American identity has been exclusionary and discriminatory. For example, the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 prohibited Chinese immigration for decades, and the Jim Crow laws of the South institutionalized racial segregation. The American identity is a complex and evolving phenomenon. It is defined by a set of ideals, but it is also shaped by the historical forces and events that have shaped the nation. The American identity is broad and inclusive, but it has also been contested and exclusionary. It is a work in progress, and it will continue to evolve in the years to come. Here are some additional thoughts on the contested nature of American identity:

• The concept of "American" has been used to justify the oppression of Native Americans, African Americans, and other minority groups.
• The American identity has been used to promote a sense of national unity, but it has also been used to divide people along lines of race, class, and religion.
• The American identity is often seen as being synonymous with white, Christian, and heterosexual, but this is a narrow and inaccurate view.
• The American identity is constantly evolving, and it is up to each individual to decide what it means to be American.

The American identity is a powerful force, but it is also a complex and contested one. It is important to be aware of the different ways in which the American identity has been defined and contested, and to think critically about what it means to be American in the 21st century.  

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.