Essay On American Identity

The Identity of America America is the land of the free, the land of the brave, and the land of opportunities. However, throughout history this country has endured hardship to reach its success. For the past 500 years, America has been explored, established, and has evolved over time. Although this nation has undergone changes, America’s identity is traced back to its roots that started it all. Exploration, wealth, and power influence the identity of this mighty nation. Ever since the first explorers set foot on the land that is now known as “The United States of America”, exploration has influenced the identity of this country. The English arrived in the Americas and “continued through England’s colonization of the Atlantic coast in the 17th century, which laid the foundation for the United States of America” (“Exploration of North America”). The main goal of the English was to explore new land in hope of colonizing and living a better life. Americans continued to explore and were soon
The Americans enforce their power over other nations, cultures, and governments because they prefer being in control. The Native Americans were drastically affected in the 1830’s because “the federal government forced them to leave their homelands and walk thousands of miles to a specially designated “Indian territory” across the Mississippi River” (“Trail of Tears”). The American government overpowered the Natives for their own benefit. Although the Americans have used their power negatively in the past, this country now uses power to benefit the nation in a more positive form. This thirst for power has caused this country to be “the world’s sole superpower” (Joseph S. Nye Jr.). The United States currently controls a large portion of the economy in the world and also influences the decisions of other major countries. America is defined by power and urge to