Patriotism
Patriotism is fundamentally defined as a love for one's country, but it encompasses much more than mere affection. It includes identifying with fellow citizens and demonstrating concern for the nation's well-being. In the United States, the roots of patriotism can be traced back to the colonial period, where discontent with British rule ignited a desire for independence, ultimately leading to the American Revolutionary War. Throughout history, patriotism has seen peaks and troughs, often intensifying during significant events like wars or national crises, such as September 11, 2001, which united many Americans in grief and action.
Despite its historical significance, the concept of patriotism has evolved and remains a topic of debate. In contemporary discussions, some question whether true patriotism exists, especially as societal challenges arise. Current analyses suggest a decline in patriotic sentiment, with many Americans expressing conflicting views on what it means to be patriotic. This includes varying opinions on supporting government policies versus critiquing them to uphold democratic values. As such, patriotism continues to be a complex and nuanced aspect of American identity, shaped by both historical events and ongoing social developments.
Subject Terms
Patriotism
The word patriotism is defined as "love of one's country." However, it is about much more than that. Patriotism is also about identifying with other citizens and showing concern for the well-being of one's country.
Some of the earliest stirrings of patriotism in America can be traced back to the colonial period, when colonists desired to form their own nation free from British control. This patriotism helped spur the American Revolutionary War (1775–83), which led to the creation of the United States.
While feelings of patriotism have faded over time, events such as wars and terrorist attacks have brought Americans together and reignited nationalistic passions. Still, some people question if true patriotism exists today.
The Beginnings of Patriotism
In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, the British Crown imposed several taxes on the American colonies to benefit Britain. The taxes angered the colonists because they felt they did not have fair representation in the British Parliament. Because they had little say in how they were governed, the colonists believed they should not have to pay the taxes.
After the French and Indian War (1754–63), Britain levied additional taxes on the colonies to help pay its war debts. It also began taxing imports to the colonies in an attempt to control trade and further benefit British merchants.
The taxes led to much anti-British sentiment. Colonists began to resent the Crown and speak out against British rule. Eventually, many Americans wanted to break from Britain and form their own country. Not all of the colonists were united in this decision, and this created tensions between the Patriots, who supported the independence of the colonies, and the Loyalists, who were devoted to the British monarchy. As the American Revolution loomed, feelings of patriotism emerged in the colonies. The colonists demonstrated their passion in several ways. Many people boycotted British goods, and others wore homespun clothing to show their loyalty to the Patriots' cause.
The American Revolutionary War officially began in 1775. On July 4, 1776, the colonists adopted the Declaration of Independence, which officially declared the colonies free from British control. The war formally ended with the Treaty of Paris in 1783, and the colonies officially became the United States of America, known as the "Land of the Free." Patriotism was very important during the American Revolution. It united the colonists to work toward a common goal, and it helped establish the new American nation as a free and independent country.
Feelings of patriotism peaked and then decreased in subsequent years, but these sentiments were reignited during major wars, such as the American Civil War (1861–65), World War I (1914–18), and World War II (1939–45). Over time, patriotism waned; however, various conflicts helped rekindle nationalistic feelings.
Does Patriotism Still Exist Today?
The United States was forever changed on September 11, 2001, when al-Qaeda-led terrorist attacks claimed the lives of thousands of people. The events of that day united Americans as they grieved for the citizens who had been lost.
In the aftermath, some people traveled to the sites of the attacks to assist in rescue and recovery missions and later cleanup efforts. Others rushed to join the armed forces, seeing it as their duty to defend the country. Americans showed their patriotism in other ways too. Many people proudly displayed the nation's flag outside their homes, and others rushed to the American Red Cross to donate blood.
Following 9/11, a sense of patriotism pervaded much of the United States. It grew stronger for many as President George W. Bush announced the War on Terror against al-Qaeda, and the country went to war, first with Afghanistan in 2001 and then with Iraq in 2003.
After several years, many Americans no longer supported the war, and patriotism waned again. Events during the 2010s and 2020s continued to influence patriotic sentiments, including the killing of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, the COVID-19 pandemic, and social justice movements. However, overall, experts indicated a significant decline in American patriotism beginning in the early 2000s. According to a 2024 Gallup poll, 41 percent of respondents considered themselves "extremely proud" to be an American, representing a near-record low. Analysts pointed to concerns among some Americans about the country's systemic inequities.
As these events unfolded, analysts debated what constitutes patriotism. What does patriotism really mean? Has this definition changed over the years? Does displaying the American flag or saying the Pledge of Allegiance make a person patriotic? The political landscape in the twenty-first century further impacted how patriotism is perceived and expressed. For some, patriotism is closely tied to supporting the government and its policies, while for others, it involves critiquing the government to ensure it upholds democratic values and human rights. Experts continue to question the meaning of patriotism and its role in American society.
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