americanism essay examples

Americanism Essay: Examples, Tips & Topics [2024 Update]

It’s not hard to see why Americanism is one of the most popular essay topics. The concept of Americanism is in the center of the US identity. Writing an essay about it is an excellent way to find out more about this great country.

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That being said:

From this article, you will learn everything you need to know about Americanism and essay writing. Choose your topic, follow our tips, and write your perfect composition! Besides, you’ll find out the Americanism definition and history in the article.Before we move forward, check our custom writing services and bookmark our website. Our free tips will help you with all kinds of essays.

• 🏆 Essay Contest
• 📝 Types of Essays

✍️ Before You Start

• 🖊️ Introduction
• 📄 Main Body
• ✅ Conclusion

🪄 How Are You Inspired by America Essay Ideas

• 🦅 Patriotic Essay
• 💰 American Dream
• 🗽 American Identity
• 🏻‍🤝‍🧑🏾 American Values

📚 Americanism Essay Examples

🔍 references, ❓ what is americanism.

Americanism is a set of ideas specific to the United States. Among its key concepts are freedom, equality, individualism, and democracy. It is believed that the United States is an exceptional nation because of these values. In short, you can say that Americanism is what makes people in the US American.

☝️ The Meaning of Americanism

First, let’s see the Americanism definition. It is an idea that celebrates the freedom and individualism of the US citizens. Opportunities and possibilities make the USA distinct from other countries. Carl Schurz, an American statesman and reformer, once said about it:

“This is not a mere idealistic fancy. It is the natural position of this great republic among the nations of the earth. It is its noblest vocation, and it will be a glorious day for the United States when the good sense and the self-respect of the American people see in this their “manifest destiny.” Carl Schurz

Americanism has no counterparts in other cultures. At the same time, it is a way of life, a set of beliefs, and a national character.

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What else makes Americanism unique? For instance, it doesn’t depend on a person’s place of birth. Anyone can become an American. They only need to accept the US values, such as:

• To be in control of one’s fate;
• To be oriented on future goals;
• Not to be afraid of changes;
• To believe in equal opportunities;
• To appreciate individuality.

As you can see, Americanism has a lot in common with nationalism and patriotism. Indeed, it emphasized the love for one’s country. It includes its symbols, such as the flag and Declaration of Independence. But, unlike nationalism, Americanism doesn’t regard ethnicity as vital.

There are also some other terms associated with Americanism:

• “Melting pot” is a metaphor of the US as the place where diverse cultures melt into one. You can see it explored in various Americanism essay examples .
• The American Dream is the idea of a perfect way of life. People come to the United States to achieve it.
• Some people identify as US citizens, as well as belonging to an ethnicity ascribed at their birth. For example, one can be Asian-American or Italian-American. It is called hyphenated Americans.
• Pan-Americanism is a movement that promotes good relationships between all countries on the American continent.
• There are many positive traits to Americanism. Still, it is sometimes seen as a hypocritical idea. Critics point out that the US doesn’t always follow its ideals. Also, they say that US policies do more harm than good. The dislike of America’s values is known as anti-Americanism.

📜 History of Americanism

Did you know that Americanism has a long and exciting history? Well, you’ll see it in this section:

• Americanism has its roots in the 17th century Protestantism. Back then, people proclaimed the US the “chosen country.” It meant that America, with its morals and democratic principles, should be an example to others.
• Later the colonists won the Revolutionary war. People saw it as proof of the country’s special status. They believed that new land offers unlimited opportunities. You only had to work hard.
• Soon the idea of Manifest Destiny was born. The US was supposed to spread its values throughout the continent. When the era of globalization came, Americanism became even more widespread.
• After World War I, veterans started an organization called the American Legion. They wanted to promote patriotism, democracy, and freedom. Besides, they came up with the concept of “100 percent Americanism”. By it, they meant the complete adherence to the US values. The organization still exists today and holds annual Americanism essay contests.
• Theodore Roosevelt is associated with the popularization of Americanism. He encouraged immigrants to come to the US and adopt the American way of living. People from all over the world moved to the United States in search of a better life.
• The idea that all men are created equal is written in the Declaration of Independence. While this statement is many centuries old, it still inspires millions of Americans.

🏆 American Essay Contest

Americanism is an excellent topic for an essay. Want to know why? It helps to raise patriotism and promote knowledge about our fundamental rights. No wonder there are even competitions held between students.

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Colleges and universities usually announce Americanism essay contests as an opportunity for the winners to obtain a scholarship.

What is it exactly?

Americanism essay contest is an annual essay writing competition organized for high-school students. The sponsors of the event are the American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of The American Legion. Generally, the contest is oriented to promoting national values and discovering new perspectives.

According to the rules, participants need to conduct research and compose a paper on America’s topic. The ideas can be completely diverse: patriotism, foreign relations, religion, etc.

The participants of the Americanism essay contest are divided into three classes:

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• Class I – grades 7 and 8;
• Class II – grades 9 and 10;
• Class III – grades 11 and 12.

Besides, there are specific participation requirements . Students who are allowed to take part in the competition should be:

• American citizens
• Lawful permanent residents.

Regarding the formatting requirements , the essay should be either typed or handwritten. The maximum length is 500 words. No visual aids are allowed.

The work should be submitted to the local American Legion Auxiliary Unit. Before sending your essay, make sure the document includes:

• title page (with essay title on it);
• the participant’s name and address (city, state, zip, street, house, apartment number);
• school grade;
• school name.

The contest winners usually receive money awards or scholarships: the higher the class, the more prestigious the prize.

Would you like to participate in the competition? Below, you will find the essential tips and useful advice on how to write a perfect paper for the Americanism essay contest.

☑️ Americanism Essay: Ideas & Tips

Now you’re ready to write your paper on Americanism. Follow our how-to guide to get the best results.

📝 Types of Americanism Essays

You might be wondering: what kind of composition should I write? There are many ways to discuss Americanism. Let’s see which design you can choose depending on your topic.

Definition essay on Americanism

When writing about Americanism, it would be your first choice. This type of composition is focused on the concept’s meaning. For example, if your topic of choice is “What Americanism means to me,” it would be logical to write a definition essay.

You can start by introducing the definition of the word “Americanism.” Look into several different dictionaries. Then, write your thoughts on the topic. Think of what you can add to the definition based on your personal experience.

Argumentative essay on Americanism

In this case, you research the topic and then discuss it. You also provide evidence to support your ideas.

Let’s imagine that your topic is “Why Americanism is important.” State your personal opinion in the intro paragraph. Then, prove it by using facts. You can sum it up as “Americanism is important because…”

Descriptive essay on Americanism

It’s a type of composition that involves creativity. Convey images, sounds, and textures through words.

For example, an essay titled “Why America is a beautiful country” is likely to be descriptive. You can discuss the landscapes and places you’ve seen. Choose ones that left the impression on you. Similarly, you can honor your relatives by writing a composition about them.

Compare and contrast essay

Sometimes you want to talk about two different things in your composition. For instance, you choose the subject “Americanism and nationalism.” A compare and contrast essay would be the perfect choice for you.

In it, you enumerate the common elements between two things (compare.) Then, say what makes them different from each other (contrast). This way, you gain a deeper understanding of both concepts.

Choose the essay design that suits you best and follow the instructions below.

Now let’s see what other prompts can make your writing experience better.

• First of all, decide on your essay topic. Ideally, it should be something that you care about. This way, it will be easier for you to express your personal opinion.
• Search credible websites when you look for information. Sites ending with .gov and .edu usually have the most competent data.
• Try to avoid using biased sources when you’re writing about Americanism. This topic can be sensitive to some people. So, it’s better to stick to the facts.
• Another thing to keep an eye on is relevance. Check the date of the source before using it. For instance, you want to explore the attitudes towards Americanism from ten years ago. Look for the information from this period. If you’re writing about the current situation, avoid outdated sources.
• Finally, create a draft for yourself. In it, you can outline the basic structure of your essay. It will help you to work in an organized manner. An outline will also make your ideas flow logically.

🖊️ Americanism Essay: Introduction

Now you’re ready to start writing! And the first thing to consider is the opening paragraph.

Every good introduction starts with a catchy sentence. It is intended to grab the reader’s attention. This sentence is also called a hook. There are many different ways to formulate it. For example, you can say what makes your topic exciting. Alternatively, you may start with a famous quote about America.

For instance, you can begin your essay with this quote:

This is America: A brilliant diversity spread like stars, like a thousand points of light, in a broad and peaceful sky. George H.W. Bush

Keep in mind that the introduction is a crucial part of your essay. It provides the reader with the necessary background information. It also contains the thesis which you will be discussing.

So, you start by telling the reader what they need to know before reading your composition. Namely, it can be the definition of Americanism and other key ideas.

America is the country full of choices and opportunities. It impresses with its astonishing landscapes, tasty cuisine, fascinating traditions, and rich cultural heritage. Yet, the most significant distinctive feature of the USA is the wide diversity of ethnicities and ideologies presented among the country’s citizens and residents. Even though people’s beliefs differ to some extent, each member of the American community has a right to speak up their mind and state their point of view. This is what makes the country strong and unique.

The next step is to state your thesis. It sums up your position on the topic. Let’s say your essay is titled “Why should I be proud to be an American?” The thesis can be, “I am proud to be an American because I have freedom of voice and freedom of choice.” Remember to connect everything with your thesis statement!

📄 Americanism Essay: Main Body

Now it’s time to develop it in the body paragraphs. Their structure depends on the type of composition.

• In Americanism definition essays, it’s your explanation of the central concept. For example, you can say which parts of the dictionary explanation you disagree with.
• In argumentative essays, it’s the reasoning and evidence which support your point of view. For instance, you can analyze the statistics showing the attitude towards Americanism.
• In descriptive essays, it’s the picture you convey through words. Describe a national park, a city, or a person.
• In compare and contrast essays, it’s the similarities and differences between the things in question. You can alternate between comparing and contrasting. Or, you might focus consecutively on similarities and then differences.

For example, in an argumentative essay, the first body paragraph can look like this:

I am proud to be an American because I have freedom of choice. The USA is a truly liberal country where every individual is capable of setting life goals and principles and satisfying them. In America, people have a right to decide upon their religious views, choose educational institutions, express their sexual orientation, etc. Being capable of determining the way of life the citizens prefer to lead, the Americans feel more fulfilled and satisfied with their lives. The freedom of choice opens a considerable number of opportunities. Moreover, it provides people with the ultimate right to build their own life – the one they desire to have.

Here’s another tip: use enumeration in your paper. Start each paragraph with “firstly,” “secondly,” etc. It will give your composition a clear structure.

✅ Americanism Essay: Conclusion

And now it’s time to finish your essay. In the closing paragraph, you sum up the main ideas that you’ve arrived at. For example, go back to your thesis statement and say if you’ve proven it.

Naturally, there are different ways to conclude different types of compositions:

• Recommend your readers to visit the most beautiful US locations.
• Say that despite many similarities, the things in question are different.
• Finish your definition essay by formulating your short explanation of Americanism.

For example, the concluding paragraph might look like this:

Overall, the idea of Americanism is based on the liberal society where every member is capable of speaking up their mind and defending their position. America opens the door to the world of liberty and justice. Offering freedom of voice and choice, the country provides its citizens and residents with the possibility to take the preferred life path. Here, people feel independent and fulfilled because their points of view are taken into consideration. Due to the constant development of the Americanism concept, the USA remains one of the most powerful countries in the world for the past couple of centuries.

Keep in mind that sometimes there’s no definitive answer to the thesis question. Don’t worry if there are some objective contradictions in your composition. You can state in the conclusion that there exist various points of view on the subject.

Now you know everything, you need to write a perfect essay. We hope our tips will help you do your best.

💡 Americanism Essay Topics

Can’t choose a topic for your composition? Check our list and get inspired. See a few Americanism essay examples that illustrate our ideas below:

• Explain whether you think that the American dream is still alive .
• What is the role of consumerism in American culture?
• Discuss the value of traditional American culture.
• Analyze how the concept of freedom is understood in America.
• Diversity and respect as a part of American culture.
• Explore the specifics of a family institution in modern America.
• Describe the women who made an impact on American history.
• Discuss how the film Armageddon reflects the American culture of patriotism.
• Is teaching patriotism in schools a possible task?
• The peculiarities of American communication culture.

Looking for some inspirational ideas for your paper about the US? Check the ideas for your “How Are You Inspired by America?” essay that we have prepared for you:

• How does the American flag inspire you? For more than 225 years, the American flag has represented freedom and justice. It’s been serving as both a warning to opponents and an assurance to partners that democracy still exists. In your essay, you can reflect on what the US flag means to you.
• The US culture of independence and freedom. Write about a sense of individualism that exists in the US. In addition, you can provide examples of the individual achievements of American citizens.
• The evolution of American values. Examine the shifting character of American values and trace their evolution from the country’s founding to the present. Discuss how historical events, social movements, and cultural shifts have shaped these values. How do they affect your life?
• American volunteerism and its impact. When someone is in need, Americans are there to help, whether it is across the world or just next door. In your essay, you can share a specific story or example of American volunteerism that has inspired you. Why did it resonate with you?
• Why is the US designed around convenience? In your essay, discuss the importance of convenience for Americans in various aspects, such as transportation, consumerism, and social norms. Analyze critical factors contributing to America’s convenience-driven culture.
• America as the most diverse country in the world. One reason why people dream of visiting the US is to meet individuals from around the world. You can write an essay exploring how encountering diverse cultures and perspectives in America has enriched your life.
• The summer weather in America. People often think of California and Florida when they imagine the US. Write about your experience visiting these or other states in the summer. Describe the weather, lakes, beaches, campfires, and other memorable aspects.
• The most iconic dishes of American cuisine. Here, you can dwell on the distinctive features of American cuisine – from hamburgers to deep dish pizza in Chicago. Explain how food has impacted your love and appreciation for the US.
• Why do you want to go to the US? In your essay, share your personal experience of when you fell in love with America. Maybe you are dreaming of visiting this country because of the films and TV shows you have watched in your childhood. Or, perhaps, you were impressed by the stories of your classmates who had already been there.
• The role of the United States in the global community. Examine America’s historical involvement in international affairs and its current geopolitical position. Discuss its challenges and opportunities in shaping a more peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world.

🦅 Patriotic Essay Topics

• Why I am proud to be American . This topic is all about your personal attitude towards the US. Describe the things that you love most about America. For example, it can be the right to speak your mind, have a good education, etc.
• Why is patriotism important for America? Discuss the significance of patriotism for your country’s well-being. A nation that loves its homeland does everything to make it better. Besides, working for the common good helps to prevent conflicts between people.
• What can we do to promote American patriotism ? Think about the ways of spreading the love for the United States. For instance, we can teach the history of the early colonies and the Founding Fathers. We can also talk about how patriotism helped us win in sports, conflicts, and even wars.
• Can patriotism be harmful? It’s an exciting and controversial topic. Think of its deleterious forms. For example, the ones that fuel prejudice, such as nativism.
• What is the difference between constructive and blind patriotism ? It can be a compare and contrast essay. Discuss the meaning of these two concepts and say how to tell them apart.
• Why do we pledge allegiance to the flag ? This topic is concerned with official symbols of the US. The flag is one of them. You can talk about its history or describe what it stands for.
• Is American patriotism voluntary or obligatory? It’s an excellent topic for an argumentative essay. Traditionally being American means adhering to a set of values, including love for one’s country. Does it make patriotism required?
• Is patriotism a reasonable justification for conflicts? Loyalty to the country played a crucial part in several clashes. For instance, you can explore its role in the Red Scare, the Cold War, and Iraq operations.
• Patriotism and the beauty of America. From canyons to big cities – describe the most stunning places in the US! Say if the beauty of your country makes you love it even more.
• The role of patriotism in my life. And here, you can focus on your personal experience. Do the outstanding achievements of the American nation inspire you? Do you have a relative that you’re incredibly proud of? Discuss it in a composition!

💰 American Dream Essay Topics

There have been at least a hundred thousand movies, songs, books, and manifests about the all-famous American dream. Writing an essay on this subject would be an exciting experience.

• Concepts of the American Dream . Study various dictionary definitions and come up with one of your own. Try to sum up the critical elements of this concept. Then, describe it the way you see it.
• Is the American Dream still relevant today? Some people say that its popularity is on the decline. Study the facts and learn about the attitude of the majority.
• American Dream : then and now. As you probably know, the idea of the American Dream is several centuries old. Throughout history, its meaning has changed. What used to mean perfect living conditions for everybody now has to do with fame and money. You can explore the changes in the American Dream and the reasons behind them.
• Is it worth pursuing the American Dream ? Some think the pursuit causes more harm than good, while others feel inspired by it. A person’s attitude toward achieving the American dream largely depends on how they interpret it.
• American Dream in The Great Gatsby . Here you can conduct a short literary analysis of the novel. See how F.S. Fitzgerald describes the ambitious, self-made men of the United States. Say if you agree with the characterization or not.
• What do the skeptics say about the American Dream ? It’s always important to hear the arguments from both sides. Find a competent opinion against the American Dream and analyze it. You may choose a speech, a book, or a poem.
• Who can achieve the American Dream ? Discuss if everybody can attain the status associated with it. Think about people from different social groups: aristocracy, new immigrants, or people of color.
• Can the American Dream be destructive? Centuries of pursuing wealth and happiness have plenty of negative consequences. For example, many people have unrealistic expectations. Others still exploit the poor for their profit. See how it is connected with the American Dream.
• What makes people disillusioned with the American Dream ? Here you can focus on dubious things associated with it. For example, there can be obstacles beyond one’s control. Similarly, a lack of privilege can make the dream unattainable.
• Is the American Dream useful? Despite its downsides, the dream remains an essential concept for the nation. However, because of its ever-changing meaning, it’s hard to keep up with it. Say if this concept has outlived itself or is still useful despite the changing times.

🗽 American Identity Essay Topics

The United States consists of people coming from all over the world. Like a melting pot for different cultures, America combines them into one identity.

• What makes the American identity unique? Here you can enumerate the character traits typical for US citizens. It can be exceptionalism, individualism, etc.
• What elements of American identity are borrowed from other countries? Think about food or traditional holidays. You may also discuss things like the legal system and religion that helped to shape national identity.
• Multiculturalism in the US . America is an amalgamation of various nations and ethnicities. Some of their traits merge into one collective identity. Others remain specific to the countries they originate from. You can write a fascinating essay on cultures co-existing in the US.
• What is the American Spirit? It’s an exciting concept that is hard to define. You can talk about the American Spirit at war. Or, you may choose to describe people who embody it, such as George Washington .
• Why is optimism essential for the American identity? Without a positive attitude, you can’t build a successful future. Result orientation, action, and love of change make Americans optimistic.
• Manifest Destiny in the US . As you already know, Manifest Destiny is an integral part of Americanism. Discuss its origins and effects on the nation in a fascinating essay.
• American national symbols . You’ve heard of Uncle Sam, stars and stripes, and a bald eagle. But what do these symbols mean? Explore their history and impact in your essay.
• The role of historical knowledge in the US identity. You will probably agree that knowing the country’s history is essential. It teaches us valuable lessons, inspires us, and sets examples. You can describe your personal experience in your composition.
• The Constitution as the beginning of US identity. Here you can write about what made the Constitution a crucial document. Back when it was created, it allowed both democracy and slavery. Think about similar contradictions in the American identity.
• The importance of sports for the US. Sports have always played an important part in uniting people. Baseball, football, basketball – the list goes on! Choose your favorite games and describe their importance for the nation.

🧑🏻‍🤝‍🧑🏾 American Values Essay Topics

US citizens have particular sets of values. Find out what rules govern the lives of Americans.

• Freedom as a fundamental American value. This topic covers all kinds of liberty—from religious to political. Think about the role freedom played in the formation of the United States.
• American home as a value. It’s traditionally accepted to take great care of your home. At the same time, there’s a tradition of moving often. Think about what this contradiction can mean.
• Equality: the essential American value. See what equality means for America and discuss its milestones. Don’t forget to mention the civil rights movements in your essay. For example, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP.)
• Hard work as an American value. As you know, work is one of America’s greatest virtues. The idea is that everyone gets what they deserve. Thus, those who put more effort—gain more profit. Do you think it’s true?
• Change in American society . Many cultures around the world treat change as something negative. It’s not the same in the US, where people welcome changes. Variation is believed to bring progress and a brighter future. You can compare the attitude towards change in the United States and other cultures.
• The value of democracy in the US. Democracy helps to prevent conflicts and promote development. Many people think that it’s a superior form of government. Say whether you agree with this statement and why.
• What makes materialism a national value? You may be interested in exploring this topic and its history. In America, material wealth is a natural reward for hard work. Find out where this belief comes from and what it means today.
• Education as an American value. This topic is closely connected to the idea of opportunity. By going to university, you can become whatever you want to be. Explore this notion in your Americanism essay.
• The importance of Martin Luther King’s speech, “I Have a Dream.” MLK’s address brilliantly sums up American values. It also points out the problems we need to solve to make our lives better. Explore it in your essay.
• Donald Trump and re-evaluation of Americanism. Since 2016, Americanism became widely popular due to Donald Trump’s policies. The belief in the unique mission and exceptionalism are back in the spotlight. You can discuss whether it’s a good or a bad thing in your essay.

Below you will find a few incredible Americanism essay examples. Check them out to get inspired!

Why I Am Proud to Be an American Essay Example

Our first essay sample explores the topic “Why I Am Proud to Be an American”:

Growing up, I was taught to be proud of my country, my culture, and our nation’s heroes. I am grateful for what we have in the United States, including the freedom to write, speak, and choose. 

The United States is a country where you can freely express your opinions without fear of being criticized or punished. While there are nations throughout the world that penalize people for speaking out against the government or certain religious views, America encourages different perspectives. Of course, the regulations and laws prohibiting hate speech must be obeyed, but Americans are free to express their views regarding political, ethical, and religious issues. 

Another reason to be proud of being American is freedom of choice. The United States is one of a few countries in the world with legalized same-sex marriages. It also allows its citizens to practice the religion of their choice. This open-mindedness has made the US a welcoming place for people from all walks of life and has contributed to its reputation as a melting pot of cultures and beliefs. 

No country is perfect. The US is not flawless, either. We have many issues, such as racial tensions and terrorism. Though we now see undeniable progress toward equality, the problem of racial profiling and prejudice still exists. Domestic and international terrorism is another worrying issue that inflicts uneasiness and demands serious security measures. We need to combine the efforts of citizens and government to overcome all shortcomings through constructive dialogue and meaningful reforms.   

Despite all these problems, I am and always will be proud to be an American. Freedom of speech and respect for diversity are two main principles that inspire me and make my country great. Of course, the US has imperfections and struggles, just like any other country. But we have already overcome significant obstacles in the past, and I know we will continue to do so in the future since we are the country of freedom and the home of the brave.

How Can I Be a Good American Essay

The essay example below provides a student’s reflections on how to be a good American.

Have you ever thought about what it means to be a good American? Even though everyone has their own answer to this question, there are several fundamental values that all US citizens respect and adhere to. These include abiding by the law, respecting individual rights, valuing our history and culture, and working together to make life better for everyone. 

The US Constitution is the basis of American democracy that protects individual liberties and rights. All Americans respect the Constitution and its Amendments and recognize the importance of the law. In addition, I believe that a good American is not afraid to take social responsibility, vote, participate in community organizations, and advocate for policies that uphold justice and equity. 

Examples from American history also demonstrate patriotism and love for the country. Good Americans recognize that a deep understanding of their nation’s past is significant for creating a meaningful connection to the present. When people learn about America’s history and culture, they understand its unique character, past challenges, successes, and strong spirit. This knowledge helps them become more active citizens, which enables America to keep improving and protecting its values. 

I think a good American is a true patriot who is not mindlessly loyal to the American nation but profoundly loves it, with all its strengths and flaws. A decent American also recognizes and appreciates the country’s victories and accepts its mistakes while working to make it a better place for all citizens.

Now you’re all set to write a perfect composition. What writing tips did you find the most useful? Let us know in the comments!

You might also be interested in:

• Coral Reef Essay: Descriptive Writing How-to Guide
• Best Descriptive Essays That Win Top Marks
• Harriet Tubman Essay: How to Write, Prompts and Ideas
• Halloween Essay: How to Write, Topics and Essay Ideas

🤔 Americanism Essay FAQs

Americanism essay is intended to capture the spirit of the USA. It often includes a reference to the ancestors and appreciation of human rights. Take aspects of the American way of life and develop them in a patriotic style.

Americanism is a concept that sums up the ideals of the USA. It treats equality, freedom, and one’s love for the country as especially important. Anyone who adopts Americanism can become a US citizen.

Americanism is an essential part of US culture. It’s a philosophy, a way of life, and a set of rules. It is unique, and it makes America different from all other countries.

You can say that Americanism is a belief in freedom and equality. It provides us with ideals we can follow to make the US better. These are the traditional values that make this country great.

• Comparing and Contrasting: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• Argumentative Essays: Online Writing Lab: Purdue University
• Definition Essay: Excelsior Online Writing Lab: Excelsior College
• Writing the Introduction: Monash University
• Anti-Americanism Causes and Characteristics: Pew Research Center
• Americanism: Encyclopedia.com
• The Value of Democracy: Encyclopedia Britannica
• The American Spirit: Heritage.com
• Values in American Culture: Boston University
• Revisiting the American Dream: Is the U.S. Providing Fewer Opportunities to Get Ahead?: Wharton University of Pennsylvania
• Reality and the American Dream: Is Meritocracy Defined by Socio-Economic Status?: McKendree University
• One American Identity, Two Distinct Meanings: University of Colorado
• Writing Descriptive Essays: Purdue Online Writing Lab: Purdue University
• There Are Many Ways to Be Patriotic: Penn State College of Liberal Arts
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If you’re a student, you’ve heard about a formal essay: a factual, research-based paper written in 3rd person. Most students have to produce dozens of them during their educational career.  Writing a formal essay may not be the easiest task. But fear not: our custom-writing team is here to guide...

Rhetorical analysis is never a simple task. This essay type requires you to analyze rhetorical devices in a text and review them from different perspectives. Such an assignment can be a part of an AP Lang exam or a college home task. Either way, you will need a solid outline...

Narrative essays are unlike anything you wrote throughout your academic career. Instead of writing a formal paper, you need to tell a story. Familiar elements such as evidence and arguments are replaced with exposition and character development. The importance of writing an outline for an essay like this is hard...

Discourse is the way people talk about any specific topic. It’s also the way in which language is used to convey social and historical meanings. Discourse analysis is the process that helps to understand the underlying message of what is being said. Sounds interesting? Keep reading to learn more.  This in...

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I would agree. ‘Dig deep’ and ‘dig deeper’ seem fine to me, and are common in corpora (more common than ‘dig deeply’ or ‘dig more deeply’ in BNC and COCA). I was wondering, is that because ‘deep’ can be a flat adverb, or is it because ‘deep’ here is an adjectival complement: that is, you’re not digging in a deep manner, but digging so as to be at a deep point (compare ‘run deep’, ‘go deep’, etc.)? I sympathize with the students over ‘computer program,’ as I often have to check myself with that one too!

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Home — Essay Samples — Government & Politics — Political Systems & Ideologies — Americanism

Essays on Americanism

The importance of writing an essay on americanism.

Writing an essay on Americanism is important because it allows individuals to explore and understand the core values and principles that define American culture and society. By delving into Americanism, writers can gain a deeper appreciation for the diverse perspectives and experiences that shape the American identity. Additionally, writing about Americanism fosters critical thinking and analytical skills, as it requires individuals to examine and reflect on the historical, political, and social factors that have influenced American values and beliefs.

Writing Tips for an Essay on Americanism

• Research and gather information about the historical and cultural aspects of Americanism. This will provide a solid foundation for your essay and help you develop a comprehensive understanding of the topic.
• Consider the different interpretations and perspectives on Americanism. This will allow you to present a well-rounded and nuanced analysis in your essay.
• Structure your essay in a clear and organized manner. Begin with an that outlines the significance of Americanism, followed by body paragraphs that examine specific aspects of American values and beliefs. Finally, conclude with a summary of your key points and insights.
• Use evidence and examples to support your arguments. Incorporate relevant historical events, cultural practices, and societal trends to illustrate the impact of Americanism on various aspects of American life.
• Revise and edit your essay to ensure coherence, clarity, and precision. Pay attention to grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure to enhance the overall quality of your writing.

Americanism Movement in The Us: a Regrettable Past

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A Fireman Montag in a Futuristic American Society

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Essay Samples on Americanism

Americanism and its impact on the english language and its dialects.

R. S. Suetlana (2017) expressed that dialect utilize particularly, tongues and highlights, are known as mode and cluster of discourse, breed decoders evaluate response, this survey reaction are attitudinal expression. State of mind is clarified in greater term as “a mental propensity that's communicated by...

• Americanism
• English Language

Anti Americanism and Pakistan Afghanistan Conflict After 9/11

The Joined together States intrusion of Afghanistan happened in October 2001, within the wake of the September 11, 2001 assaults on the Joined together States, checking the starting of its “War on Terrorism” campaign. Looking for to remove the Taliban and discover al-Qaeda engineer Osama...

• Afghanistan Crisis

Gender Difference in the Political Discourse

Political discourse is a broad field of study and it is identified by its participants that is politicians. Politicians actively participate not only in politics itself, but also in every kind of activity that may become helpful in gaining political aims. They are the group...

• Gender Inequality

The Values of Native Americans and Their Impact on the Modern America

Settler colonialism was an unmitigated disaster for Native Americans. Prior to the arrival of our fore fathers, the indigenous people were free. They had a vibrant culture with an established values and belief system. They hunted and fished for food. They had communities with leaders,...

• American Dream
• American Values

Values as the Crucial Element of the Person's Identity

Values are the principles or standards that governors an individual’s behaviour. They are the general expression of what is important to every individual. They are to our subconscious what mitochondrion (power house) is to cells. They are the ideals on which we evaluate people, actions,...

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The Ku Klux Act and Their Definition of Americanism

One could think that the Ku Klux Act did not generally define 'Americanism' as a whole. However, it is quite evident that this act, unfortunately, did represent a bigger part of Americanism, which has, from the earlier four hundred years been responsible for the oppression...

American Dream: The Collective Imagery of American Values

Every individual has their own dreams and aspirations in life. The route that they take to achieve these goals, more often than not, causes people to lose sight of their own morals and values. While the honest route is always the best choice, it may...

America First: Extreme Nationalism and Americanism in American History

The term ‘America First’ has a dark history of extreme white nationalism and is deeply rooted in racism, anti-immigration and xenophobia. However, the origins of this phrase stems from 1915, during the Great War, where President Woodrow Wilson and Americans used this slogan to oppose...

Anti-Americanism of the Soviet Period in Russia

For a better understanding of the roots of the problem, it is better to know what happened before the bad opinion was established. Before the Second World War, in Decembrists period was opposition in Russia whose ideology preferences was on USA democracy regime. One of...

Best topics on Americanism

1. Americanism and Its Impact on the English Language and Its Dialects

2. Anti Americanism and Pakistan Afghanistan Conflict After 9/11

3. Gender Difference in the Political Discourse

4. The Values of Native Americans and Their Impact on the Modern America

5. Values as the Crucial Element of the Person’s Identity

6. The Ku Klux Act and Their Definition of Americanism

7. American Dream: The Collective Imagery of American Values

8. America First: Extreme Nationalism and Americanism in American History

9. Anti-Americanism of the Soviet Period in Russia

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Americanism Essays

American political memo.

Summaries Acharya, Blackwell, & Sen (2014) reveals that because of the war, the southern whites faced both economic and political incentives to reinforce racist institutions…

Summary   Alford, Funk & Hibbing (2005) argues that genetics plays a vital role in shaping political ideologies and attitudes and has a role in…

Conflict Studies Memo

Part 1 Oneal and Russett strive to show that Kant brought forward pertinent claims by advocating for interdependence, democracy and international organizations. Kant’s approach was…

The Fifth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States

The Fifth Amendment to the Constitution states that no person shall be “deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law” (Constitution:11). But…

The American President

The American presidential elections are one the most popular political processes both in the United States and the whole world. Although the American President is…

How the statements reflect the American foreign policy

This summary contains the public statements of H.R. Mc Master, Gary Cohn, Rex Tillerson, and James Mattis in the various capacities and how the statements…

General Westmoreland Mindset

In the documentary “Hearts and Minds”, General Westmoreland dismisses the value of the Vietnamese people, arguing that they do not value life. He denotes that…

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Americanism Essay Contest For Grades 7–12

FRA sponsors an annual essay contest to promote the spirit of Americanism and patriotism among our country’s youth. FRA's Americanism Essay Contest is open to all students, grades 7 through 12, including those who are home schooled.  Students are invited to submit a 350-word essay through an FRA member or local FRA branch before the December 1st deadline .  Local winners are forwarded for competition at the regional level and regional winners compete for national prizes.   The grand national winner receives $1,500.  Other winners receive $1,000 for first place, $750 for second place, and $500 for third place.  Each national winner will receive an attractive plaque citing his/her achievement, and every entrant judged at the national level receives a certificate of recognition. Prizes may be awarded to students winning at local and regional levels of competition.

Find a Sponsor: Find the branch closest to you in the drop down list and click "select" to see the address. This is where you will send your completed essay and cover sheet.

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Download the flyer from the link below (you can fill out the contact information on your computer before you print it!) and post it proudly wherever appropriate--high schools, on-base education offices, commissaries, exchanges, on-base community centers, etc.--to get the word out (you may need permission to post in some locations).

Essay Contest Poster Essay Cover Sheet Essay Rules Congratulations to the 2022–2023 FRA Americanism Essay Contest Winners!

OVERALL WINNER : Molly Neal, Branch 294, South East Region

Grade 7 Winners 1 st place: Elizabeth Schlatter       Branch 124, Northeast New England Region   7th-Grade_1st_Place_Elizabeth Schlatter.pdf 2 nd place: Benjamin Wu               Branch 104, Northwest Region 3 rd place: Genevieve Miranda      Branch 070, Southwest Region

Grade 8 Winners 1st Place: Brynn Gullin                Branch 146, Northeast New England Region   8th-Grade_1st_Place_Brynn Gillin.pdf 2nd Place:  Katie Labao               Branch 302, Southwest  Region  3rd Place: Jalen Meads               Branch 293, East Coast Region Grade 9 Winners 1st Place:  Molly Neal                   Branch 294, Southeast  Region Molly Neal - 9th Grade - 1st Place.pdf 2nd Place: Annabel Marshall       Branch 24, East Coast Region  3rd Place: Lilly Anna Flygare       Branch 251, South Central Region Grade 10 Winners 1st Place: Anna Dollar                 Branch 34, Southeast Region  10th-Grade_1st_Place_Anna Dollar.pdf 2nd Place: Sophene Avedissian  Branch 302, Southwest Region  3rd Place: Justin Glasow             Branch 208, East Coast Region Grade 11 Winners 1st Place: Ariana Perez               Branch 302, Southwest Region 11th-Grade_1st_Place_Ariana Perez.pdf 2nd Place: Erin Stenros               Branch 214, Northeast New England Region  3 rd Place: Bayleigh Guidry          Branch 251, South Central Region

Grade 12 Winners 1st Place: Morgen Davis              Branch 185, West Coast Region 12th-Grade_1st_Place_Morgan Davis.pdf 2nd Place: Charlotte Wallace      Branch 055, Northwest Region  3rd Place: Caleb Gargus             Branch 105, North Central Region

Americanism in Language

Glossary of Grammatical and Rhetorical Terms

Mark D Callanan/Getty Images

• An Introduction to Punctuation
• Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia
• M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester
• B.A., English, State University of New York

An Americanism is a word or phrase  (or, less commonly, a feature of grammar , spelling , or pronunciation ) that (supposedly) originated in the United States or is used primarily by Americans.

Americanism is often used as a term of disapproval, especially by non-American language mavens with little knowledge of historical linguistics . "Many so-called Americanisms come from the English ," Mark Twain accurately observed more than a century ago. "[M]ost people suppose that everyone who 'guesses' is a Yankee; the people who guess do so because their ancestors guessed in Yorkshire." 

The term Americanism was introduced by the Reverend John Witherspoon in the late-18th century.

Americanisms in Academics

Academicians, linguists, and grammarians have attempted to explain just what is meant by "Americacanisms," and specifically, how Americanisms came to be. Take a look at these examples from the likes of Robert McCrum and Kingsley Amis.

Robert McCrum et al.

• As pioneers, the first Americans had to make up many new words, some of which now seem absurdly commonplace. Lengthy , which dates back to 1689, is an early Americanism . So are calculate, seaboard, bookstore and presidential . . . . Antagonize and placate were both hated by British Victorians. As members of a multiracial society, the first Americans also adopted words like wigwam, pretzel, spook, depot and canyon , borrowing from the Indians, Germans, Dutch, French and Spanish." ( The Story of English . Viking, 1986)

Kingsley Amis

• - "A list of fully assimilated English words and expressions that started life as American coinages or revivals would include antagonise, anyway, back-number (adjectival phrase), back yard (as in nimby), bath-robe, bumper (car), editorial (noun), fix up, just (=quite, very, exactly), nervous (=timid), peanut, placate, realise (=see, understand), reckon, soft drink, transpire, washstand . "In some cases, Americanisms have driven out a native equivalent or are in the process of doing so. For instance, in no particular order, ad has pretty well replaced advert as an abbreviation for advertisement , a press clipping is driving out cutting as a piece taken from a newspaper, a whole new ballgame , that is a metaphorical game of baseball, is what meets the harried circumspect eye where once a different kettle of fish or a horse of another color furnished the challenge, and someone quit his job where not so long ago he quitted it. "Such matters probably indicate nothing more than minor, harmless linguistic interchange, with a bias towards American modes of expression as likely to seem the livelier and (to adopt an Americanism) smarter alternative." ( The King's English: A Guide to Modern Usage . HarperCollins, 1997)

Americanisms vs. British English

Others have commented on the impact of Americanisms on British English, as these examples from academic books on the subject as well as from the popular press demonstrate.

Gunnel Tottie

• "In American English, the first noun [in a compound ] is generally in the singular, as in drug problem, trade union, road policy, chemical plant . In British English , the first element is sometimes a plural noun, as in drugs problem, trades union, roads policy, chemicals plant . Some noun-noun compounds that entered American English at a very early stage are words for indigenous animals, like bullfrog 'a large American frog,' groundhog 'a small rodent' (also called woodchuck ); for trees and plants, e.g. cottonwood (an American poplar tree); and for phenomena like log cabin , the kind of simple structure many early immigrants lived in. Sunup is also an early American coinage, parallel to the Americanism sundown , which is a synonym for the universal sunset ." ( An Introduction to American English . Wiley-Blackwell, 2002)
• "[F]ew of the grammatical differences between British and American are great enough to produce confusion, and most are not stable because the two varieties are constantly influencing each other, with borrowing both ways across the Atlantic and nowadays via the Internet." ( British or American English? Cambridge University Press, 2006)

Bob Nicholson

• - "Most 'Americanisms' coined [during the 19th century] haven't stood the test of time. When a woman disposes of an unwanted admirer we no longer say that she has 'given him the mitten.' We still call experienced travellers 'globetrotters,' but tend to say they've 'bought the T-shirt' rather than 'seen the elephant.' We prefer more elegant metaphors for a cemetery than a 'bone-pit.' Our dentists might object if we called them 'tooth carpenters.' And if a teenager today told you they'd been 'shot in the neck' you might ring for an ambulance rather than ask what they'd had to drink the previous night. "Lots, however, have become part of our everyday speech. 'I guess,' 'I reckon,' 'keep your eyes peeled,' 'it was a real eye-opener,' 'easy as falling off a log,' 'to go the whole hog,' 'to get the hang of,' 'struck oil,' 'lame duck,' 'face the music,' 'high falutin,' 'cocktail,' and 'to pull the wool over one's eyes'―all made the leap into British usage during the Victorian period. And they've stayed there ever since." ("Racy Yankee Slang Has Long Invaded Our Language." The Guardian  [UK], Oct. 18, 2010)

Richard W. Bailey

• "Documenting the sustained prejudice against American English over the past century and a half is not difficult since the only alteration in the complaint involves the particular expressions that have come to the attention of the reviewers. So we will leap ahead to 21st century examples parallel to most of the complaints of the past. "In 2010, the expressions targeted for criticism included ahead of for 'before,' face up 'confront,' and fess up for confess (Kahn 2010). A counterargument has often been that these expressions are historically English, but the truths of historical linguistics are seldom persuasive or even seen as germane to the dispute. 'Americanisms' are simply bad English in one way or another: slovenly, careless, or sloppy. . . . Reports like these seethe with disapproval. "The same metaphors are used elsewhere in the English-speaking world. In Australia, new forms of language believed to derive from America are seen as a contagion: 'suffering the creeping American disease' is a way to describe a situation the critic deplores (Money 2010). . . . "The expressions that give rise to such complaints are not such ordinary Americanisms as blood type, laser , or minibus . And some are not Americanisms at all. They share the quality of being racy, informal, and perhaps a little subversive. They are usages that poke fun at pretense and gibe at gentility." ("American English."  English Historical Linguistics , ed. by Alexander Bergs. Walter de Gruyter, 2012)

Steven Poole

• "The playwright Mark Ravenhill recently tweeted irritably: 'Dear Guardian sub please don't allow passing . Here in Europe we die . Keep the horrible euphemism over the Atlantic.' . . . "Ravenhill's . . . complaint about passing is that it is an Americanism , one that should be kept 'over the Atlantic' by the verbal equivalent of a ballistic-missile shield, so as to preserve the saintly purity of our island tongue. The trouble with this is that it's not actually an Americanism. In Chaucer's Squire's Tale, the falcon says to the princess: 'Myn harm I wol confessen er I pace,' meaning before it dies. In Shakespeare's Henry VI Part 2 , Salisbury says of the dying Cardinal: 'Disturbe him not, let him passe peaceably.' In other words, the origin of this use of passing is firmly on this side of the Atlantic. It's as English as the word soccer ―at first spelled 'socca' or 'socker,' as an abbreviation of association football . "A lot of other supposed Americanisms aren't Americanisms either. It's sometimes thought that transportation instead of the good old transport is an example of that annoying US habit of bolting on needless extra syllables to perfectly good words, but transportation is used in British English from 1540. Gotten as the past tense of got ? English from 1380. Oftentimes ? It's in the King James Bible." ("Americanisms Are Often Closer to Home Than We Imagine." The Guardian [UK], May 13, 2013)

Simon Heffer

• "Some Americanisms keep slipping in, usually when we are given agency copy to re-write and do an inadequate job on it. There is no such verb as 'impacted,' and other American-style usages of nouns as verbs should be avoided ( authored, gifted etc). Maneuver is not spelt that way in Britain. We do not have lawmakers : we might just about have legislators , but better still we have parliament . People do not live in their hometown ; they live in their home town , or even better the place where they were born." ("Style Notes." The Telegraph , Aug. 2, 2010)
• What Is American English (AmE)?
• What Is British English (BrE)?
• Differences Between American and British English
• Definition and Examples of Standard British English
• What is Vocabulary in Grammar?
• What is Notional Agreement in Grammar?
• What Is the Purpose of the Zero Article in English Grammar?
• The Distinctive Characteristics of Canadian English
• The Difference Between Vice and Vise
• Using Dependant vs. Dependent
• Definition and Examples of Linguistic Americanization
• Perfect Aspect of Verb Construction
• Definition and Examples of Sound Change in English
• What Is Metonymy?
• Definition and Examples of Periods: Full Stop
• nationality word

• Reviews in American History

What is Americanism?

• Thomas Bender
• Johns Hopkins University Press
• Volume 35, Number 1, March 2007
• 10.1353/rah.2007.0003
• View Citation

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Home Essay Examples Politics Political Systems

Essays on Americanism

Isolationism in the united states, americanism and the main problems, american identity, war on terror: a campaign to counter anti-americanism, americanism and civil rights act of 1871 or ku klux act, islam versus united states: anti-americanism, top similar topics.

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• Israel-Hamas War

The Resurgence of Global Anti-Americanism

Stengel is the former Editor of TIME, an MSNBC analyst and the author of Information Wars: How We Lost the Global Battle Against Disinformation .

I f you look at the graph of American favorability around the world since World War II, there are two deep chasms: the invasion of Iraq in 2003 and the election of Donald Trump thirteen years later.

They are related: each moment suggests an America of testosterone and bluster, of xenophobia and nativism, of my way or the highway.

Both are 21 st century versions of the Ugly American stereotype from the 1950s.

Between 2017 and 2020, during the Trump Administration, U.S. favorability declined in each major region of the world, most deeply among our key security and trade partners. We went from favorability in the 70s, to the 20s and 30s.

Under Joe Biden, the U.S. built back much of its international credibility from the highs of the Obama years—we have a median favorability rating of 62%—and in some regions, our favorability is approaching Obama levels.

Now, with America’s support for Israel in the Israel-Hamas war, those old anti-American feelings are flooding back around the world.

At a campaign event in December, President Biden suggested that America and Israel were losing global support around the world. A few days later, by a margin of 153 states in favor, and only 10 against (one of them being the U.S.), the U.N. General Assembly voted overwhelmingly for a ceasefire in Gaza.

We’re in for a long season of global anti-Americanism.

                                             *                      *                      *

Concern about America’s image around the world is in our DNA as a nation.

In 1630, John Winthrop famously said America would be seen as “a city on a hill” in a sermon he gave on the ship Arabella making its way to the Massachusetts Bay Colony— before he’d even set foot in America.

The next sentence was, “The eyes of all people are upon us.”

The opening paragraph of the Declaration of Independence asserts that America’s historic separation from England must be explained out of “a decent respect for the opinions of mankind.”

The Founders cared a lot about the opinions of mankind, a word that appears three times in the Declaration. They thought about fame, their image, and how they presented themselves to the world. From the beginning, America was both a revolutionary new world and a model for the old one.

From the beginning, we’ve also been more than a little narcissistic, believing that “the eyes of the world are upon us.”

Read More: Inside the Israel-Hamas Information War

Every country has some version of this, but in the U.S.’s case, it’s more true than anywhere else.

America’s reputation abroad has varied over two-and-a-half centuries. We evolved from an upstart revolutionary nation who fired “the shot heard ‘round the world,” an audacious underdog, to become a global hyper-power.

We went from that city on a hill to a nation that fought a continent-wide civil war over slavery, to the nation that, during World War I, made the world “safe for democracy,” in Woodrow Wilson’s phrase.

That idea reverberated. As the late Henry Kissinger said, every American president since Wilson has had to be in the democracy-promotion business and and something of a foreign policy idealist.

In WWII we were the “arsenal of democracy,” as FDR put it. (A term that Joe Biden alluded to recently in his Oval Office speech on Israel.)

But during the Cold War, we were often seen as brutish and heavy-handed. The Ugly American on steroids. Siding with authoritarian governments as long as they were anti-Communist. Choosing security over democracy. Not living up to our own ideals.

With the fall of the Soviet Union, the U.S. became the lone superpower, and the “Washington Consensus” reigned—democratic free market capitalism was the way to prosperity and security.

We squandered a lot of that goodwill with the invasion of Iraq after 9/11.

We’re seeing an echo of that today in the global disapproval of America’s steadfast support for Israel.

I was President Obama’s Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs.

So, what is Public Diplomacy? It should be an easy question to answer, but it isn’t. If you ask 10 diplomats, you’ll get 10 different definitions.

The best definition in my opinion is what Harvard professor Joe Nye called “soft power.”

It’s not guns and butter, but music and movies, culture and ideas.

My job was to worry about and help shape America’s image abroad. After a few months at State, I had a town hall and a senior diplomat asked me who did I think was America’s most effective public diplomat.

I said that it was a difficult question to answer because I thought it was hard to choose between Taylor Swift and Beyoncé.

I wasn’t trying to be funny.

Most of the time, in term of influence, culture eats policy for breakfast.

Except times like the present.

When policy, especially unpopular policy, has a disproportionate impact—the invasion of Iraq, the Trump “Muslim ban,” U.S. support for Israel— it undercuts the power of American culture.

For example, after the invasion of Iraq, there was a statistically significant decline of Coca-Cola sales in a number of countries and protests directed at the American soft drink manufacturer. In a Pew survey at the time, the study noted the popularity of American culture globally, “yet in general the spread of U.S. ideas and customs is disliked by majorities in almost every country.”

Now, there are Arab boycotts of American companies and social media is filled with pictures of empty McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Domino Pizzas across the Middle East.

                                                         *                      *                      *

Brand America shifted during the Obama administration. And it wasn’t just because Barack Obama was the first Black president and an extraordinarily popular figure on the world stage.

With the rise of the internet and social media—all pioneered by American companies—America mutated from the nation of missiles and McDonalds to that of the World Wide Web and integrated circuits. We became a beacon of innovation—the technological city on a hill.

When I was at the State Department, foreign officials didn’t ask me to set up meetings at the White House, they pleaded for introductions to Google, Apple, Facebook, and Microsoft.

Read More: Why Netanyahu Can't Talk About Post-War Gaza

The election of Donald Trump changed much of that. Within a year, the U.S. had lower favorability around the world than we had even during the invasion of Iraq. It was not only the anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim rhetoric, the “s---hole countries,” the disdain for NATO and our traditional alliances—we took a tremendous hit during COVID: the country that invented the iPhone could not manufacture enough cotton swabs.

Between 2017 and 2020, U.S. favorability plummeted in every major region of the world, most deeply among our principal security and trade partners. France and Germany featured the greatest declines. We sunk from favorability in the 70s, to the 20s and 30s. The numbers looked similar in our closest neighbors, Canada and Mexico.

In the U.K., at the end of Trump’s term, his favorability was one point below Putin’s, 18% to Putin’s 19%.

Those numbers have rebounded around the world under Biden. But it’s not quite the same. Biden said “America was back,” and our allies welcomed that, but asked: For how long?

It’s a fair question.

Social media not only shows good things about U.S. culture, it shows Jan 6th and government shutdowns. January 6 is an indelible global image of the decline of American-style republican government.

We are no longer the model of democracy we once were.

The attack on the Capitol has become a global symbol of America, like a negative-Statue of Liberty.

What was the reaction around the world? Horror, yes, sadness, even pity, but also schadenfreude, the pleasure in the discomfort of someone else.

You told us what to do and now look at yourselves.

To the Chinese and the Russians, it was their dream come true.

An image of democratic dysfunction—the ripping off of the façade of comity and efficiency to reveal the chaotic impulses underneath.

It confirmed everything they had been saying about the instability of democracy.

Our shining city on a hill looked like Blade Runner.

In 2023, U.S. favorability is up: Whereas a median of just 34% across 12 nations had a favorable overall opinion of the U.S. last year, a median of 62% now hold this view.

Most of our allies see America as a reliable partner but no longer as a model for democracy. Only 17%, according to the Pew Survey, say the U.S. is a good example for other countries to follow. That used to be 57%.

Still, it’s relative. China lags well behind us. A median of 67% across 24 countries have an unfavorable view of China, according to Pew.

And as for Russia, well, they have an 82% unfavorable rating.

Now the war in the Middle East is upending the return of American favorability.

Around the world, Israel, despite the horrific Hamas terrorist attack of Oct. 7, is seen as the muscle-bound oppressor of Palestinian human rights, and the U.S. is seen as Israel’s accomplice and enabler.

Read More: How to Find Common Ground Between Israelis and Palestinians

To much of the world, Israel is the bully and we’re the bully’s protector.

Netanyahu’s strategy (and that of the Trump administration) that Israel could normalize relations with the Sunni nations of the Middle East while marginalizing the Palestinians has blown up. Those Sunni partners will not come back to the table until there is something like a two-state solution.

As one anonymous cable from the U.S. embassy in Oman put it , “We are losing badly on the messaging battlespace,” adding that America is “losing Arab publics for a generation.”

There’s an existential struggle going on around the world between the Western rules-based order and the Chinese/Russian might-makes-right world.

China and Russia believe in what was known in the 19 th century as sphere-of-influence diplomacy. That is, a world where powerful countries can do what they want in their sphere of influence. The Monroe Doctrine anyone?

Authoritarians like the sphere-of-influence world. And we are living in a time of democratic decline: According to Freedom House, the number of democratic countries in the world has declined every year for the last fifteen.

We are moving from a rule of law world to a law of rulers world.

To Putin, it’s simple: Ukraine is in Russia’s sphere of influence and they can do whatever they want with it.

China’s ambition is even greater: they see the entire planet as part of their sphere-of-influence.

The Chinese argument is that democracy is not the most efficient and effective way of bringing prosperity and security to a nation. They have a lot of evidence of that. In the last 40 years, China has brought more people into the middle class than in the history of civilization. The rate of upward social income mobility in the U.S. has declined substantially for the last half century.

And talk about public diplomacy. The Chinese have spent more than a $1 trillion dollars on their Belt and Road Initiative to build infrastructure around the world. That dwarfs the Marshall Plan even in real terms.

On a trip to Africa when I was at State, I had a meeting with an African foreign minister and at the end he said to me, “You come to see me and talk about transparency and human rights. The Chinese come and build me a super highway. Who do you think I’m going to listen to?”

China's message is, We will help you get rich and we won’t bother you about democracy or human rights.

This existential struggle goes has its roots in America’s founding. America’s social contract was that liberty and self-determination was a more powerful engine of human freedom than vassalage and the divine right of kings. It’s a competition between two kinds of social contracts. The Russian and Chinese social contract is, We offer you security and perhaps prosperity, but not freedom. You give up your freedom in exchange for stability. They see democracies as offering freedom without security, which brings on decadence, corruption, and January 6 th .

It is the Enlightenment against 21 st century feudalism.

We believe that democratic self-government and individual rights are the best way to secure prosperity and happiness.

But we are living in a global democratic recession.

The recent election of a self-described anarcho-capitalist in Argentina and a far-right anti-immigrant extremist in Holland are only the two latest examples.

This struggle between democracy and authoritarianism is not only going on between countries. It’s going on within countries.

We see that domestically every day.

We have a significant minority of the country that seems to want an authoritarian leader who has spoken disparagingly of the Constitution and democracy. Recent polls show an appetite for an American “strongman.”

There is widespread support for “democracy”—but there is significantly less support for democratic norms.

Our 250-year-old social contract is that We the People are able to govern themselves, and that freedom brings prosperity and security.

But our frequent protestations that democracy is fragile and that freedom, as Ronald Reagan said, is always one generation away from extinction is not very appealing to people around the world. Yes, we agree, say the Chinese.

Our own model seems broken. We are the least majoritarian democracy in the world. Try explaining the electoral college to a foreigner. We tell people voting matters, and in our country not every vote counts.

And the Russians continue to try to make sure that is true.

American exceptionalism is a bit of a taboo phrase these days.

During his first presidential campaign, Barack Obama got in some hot water when he said that every nation thinks its exceptional. But I think that is true.

We are different in part because of how we were created as a nation. Unlike most nations around the world, America is not based on a common blood or a common religion or a common background.

We are based on a set of uncommon ideas—that all people are created equal and that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

We believe those are not American ideas but universal ideas—that they are human rights.

Those are old ideas that are still a challenge to achieve.

Nations sometimes need to make hard choices. Sometimes our loyalty to our allies and support for freedom and self-determination are in conflict.

We have often chosen security over human rights in our foreign policy.

To much of the world, the argument we’ve made in favor of Ukrainian sovereignty and human rights suggests support for the Palestinians, not the Israelis.

We must always try to align our values with our policy, and that’s not always easy.

In the next few years, we will be perceived more as the nation of brawn and bombs than ingenuity and innovation. Our hard power choices are overriding our soft power advantage.

With indispensability comes responsibility, and sometimes responsibility forces you to make choices that are not popular. We’re seeing that now.

This article is adapted from a speech to the Virginia Civil Rights Law Institute.

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Americanism

This year our motto will be “Let Teaching Patriotism be Our Superpower.” In order to be an effective teacher, you must first know and un understand the material. Immerse yourself in every facet of the Americanism program. You can start with your junior members whether they are organized or just a member’s daughter or granddaughter and have them lead the Pledge during a meeting, advance the flag and Auxiliary banner, or help in a flag disposal ceremony. All these activities will help them receive their Junior Americanism Patches.

Let’s teach patriotism to the children in our communities by distributing the Americanism essay contest rules when they are available in the fall. The essay title is, “Why am I proud to be an American?” Teachers have told me that they are more likely to assign the essay if it fits into their teaching plan so I always try to get them before veterans day. Please be sure to follow the rules carefully so no essay must be disqualified. Contact other youth groups in your community like Scouts 4H FFA and hand out the essay contest rules to their leaders or directly to the students. Encourage students to participate in the oratorical contest. The subject matter is always about the constitution and the finals are held the first weekend in March. Work with schools and members to use wreaths across America patriotic curriculum. Go to www.WreathsAcrossAmerica.org and scroll down to educate and click on curriculum and lesson plans for kindergarten through 12th grade are available, all with lesson plans and some power points.

For example, first grade:

• Flag Day Lesson plan
• Memorial Day lesson plan
• What is Memorial Day power point (grades K-3)
• The Missing Man Table (Grades K-3)
• Women’s History Month Lesson Plan
• Black History Month Lesson Plan
• Buffalo Soldiers PowerPoint (Grades K-3)
• Four Chaplains Lesson Plan
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Lesson Plan
• Remember – Honor – Teach Lesson Plan
• Informative Writing and “Finding a way to Serve”
• Veterans Day PowerPoint (K-3)
• Veterans Day Lesson Plan
• American Indian Heritage Month
• April, Month of the Military Child (Grades 1-3)
• Independence Day (Grades K-8)
• Back To School
• Patriot Day Lesson Plan
• Voting in Elections (Grades K-3)

I have with me the complete curriculum for anyone interested in seeing it but again you can download it. This would be something great to share with our junior members and interesting to share with our senior members.

Promote Star Spangled Kids.

The Sergeant-at-arms and assistants are passing out a simple “How to sheet”. Star Spangled Kids teaches about patriotism, Americanism and the U.S. Constitution. Do you know that September 17th is set aside each year to commemorate the signing of the Constitution?

Let us educate our members and communities about flag etiquette including the proper way it should be flown. Consider giving citations and recognition to citizens and businesses in your community if they are properly displaying a flag. Offer to replace torn or worn flags when possible. Off of the National website you can get “Let ‘s be Right Flag Etiquette “and make them available in your Post home. Put something in your newsletters or on your Facebook page about display of the flag or little-known facts about the flag, Constitution and Bill of Rights. Join the National Facebook group at American Legion Auxiliary Americanism Program. This is a place to get ideas and share ideas. On the National Webpage thereis also a link to Action Programs of Americanism Brochure on the American Legion website that can be downloaded or printed for free but is 16 pages long. This brochure is a comprehensive look at The American Legion Americanism Programs. They include Legion Baseball, shooting sports, scouting and many more. Look through the brochure and find ways to help with these programs in your area. Work concession stands, be a timekeeper, keep statistics, offer transportation, you get the idea and have many of your own, I’m sure.

Let us educate our political leaders on the importance of respecting our flag. On the National Website in the Americanism committee page, you can find information on the Citizens Flag Alliance and The Flag Advocacy. Email your congressmen and senators about not being able to desecrate the flag, explain the blood shed for them to keep all the freedoms they enjoy and the importance of the flag to our men and women defending those rights. Sign up for the action alerts so you can be informed of any bills involving the flag that need action.

Let teaching patriotism be our superpower!

Patti Williamson  |  [email protected]   | 217-377-370

Department Award: to the Best Department Americanism Program in the Central Division.

Unit Award: Most outstanding Unit Americanism Program in the Central Division.

Department:

• RICKY’S COUNTRY GIRLS PLAQUE: to the Unit submitting the most outstanding participation on promoting the Americanism Program to the schools.
• THE DORIS SCHULTZ “GOD BLESS AMERICA” PLAQUE: TOoThe Unit for the best overall participation in the Americanism program.
• SERVE AND PROTECT CADET OF THE YEAR PLAQUE: to the outstanding cadet at American Legion Police School/ The plaque and a picture of the cadet will be presented at the Youth Police School and reported during the Americanism report at Department Convention.

Personal Awards:

• $10.00 to Runner up to the Ricky’s Country Girls Plaque.
• $10.00 to Runner up to the Doris Schultz “God Bless America” Plaque
• $10.00 to Most Americanism essays turned into a unit as reported to me.
• $10.00 to the Best Star Spangled Kids promotion.

Certificates to any Unit promoting the Star Spangled Kids.

All of the Department and personal awards must be on an awards sheet or have an awards sheet accompany a narrative and received by the deadline.

Resources from National

• Log into the National Website to Access these Items: Click Here

Helpful Weblinks

• Flag Education DVD
• Let’s Be Right on Flag Etiquette
• Pocket Flag Project
• The American Legion Flag Advocacy
• The Citizen’s Flag Alliance
• American Legion Auxiliary Americanism Program Facebook Group

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