The Declaration of Independence Resolves America’s Identity Crisis

There is endless talk of “identity” in contemporary America. It is defined by race, ethnicity, gender, sexual preference, religion, culture, and even by generation. The one thing that seems to be absent is America itself. This cannot but weaken both the unity and the greatness of the country and its citizens. Like all birthdays, the nation’s is an origin defining that to which one belongs, and so July 4 is a befitting day to examine our national identity and identity crisis.

Perhaps no man reflected back upon the birth of the United States with more seriousness of purpose than Abraham Lincoln. He did so because of the crisis of the house divided. The country was torn apart by contradictory principles. The external threat from Great Britain was gone and could not serve to keep the North and the South together. Lincoln resolved, despite some conciliatory remarks, that the United States must be all free or all slaveholding.

MK

About the Author

Mark Kremer

Mark Kremer is associate professor of politics at Hillsdale College.

Featured Tags

Manage following

American History

Independence Day

Declaration of Independence

There is endless talk of “identity” in contemporary America. It is defined by race, ethnicity, gender, sexual preference, religion, culture, and even by generation. The one thing that seems to be absent is America itself. This cannot but weaken both the unity and the greatness of the country and its citizens. Like all birthdays, the nation’s is an origin defining that to which one belongs, and so July 4 is a befitting day to examine our national identity and identity crisis.

Perhaps no man reflected back upon the birth of the United States with more seriousness of purpose than Abraham Lincoln. He did so because of the crisis of the house divided. The country was torn apart by contradictory principles. The external threat from Great Britain was gone and could not serve to keep the North and the South together. Lincoln resolved, despite some conciliatory remarks, that the United States must be all free or all slaveholding.