Americentrism

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The Flag of the United States

The society of the United States in spite of being multi-ethnic and multi-cultural still has a sense of national identity and history; those who live in or are from the United States refer to an 'American people', and patriotism is prominent in public life.

Nationalism is the correct and recognized term for the associated ideology and political movements, within the present United States, and during its history. That does not necessarily correspond with current usage of the term in American politics, or with the views of self-described 'American nationalists'.

[edit] Origins

Benjamin Franklin's Join, or Die cartoon supporting the Albany Plan of Union

The United States formed from a group of colonies under the authority of the British Crown, each established and governed independently of the others. For most of colonial America's history, a colonist had a duty to the colony and to the Crown, but not to other colonies. This attitude changed noticeably when the colonies faced a common threat in the French and Indian War. The Albany Plan of Union, although unsuccessful, served as a reference for future discussions.

Soon after, the colonies faced another common grievance over taxes enacted by the British Parliament. As the dispute escalated, colonists started to view the British administration as hostile, and sought cooperation with other colonies in response. This cooperation produced the Continental Congress and ultimately independence as a confederation. Ties between the states strengthened with the ratification of the United States Constitution.

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[edit] References

[edit] External links

• American Nationalist Union