The abolition of slavery, the growth of civil and voting rights, victory in World War II, and putting people on the moon are among the events Americans view as the country’s most significant accomplishments. As the United States nears its 250th anniversary, these events were identified in a recent NBC News poll, which was sponsored by More Perfect, a nonpartisan nonprofit organization focused on advancing democracy.
The poll utilized open-ended questions, yet the responses generally gathered into three main categories. Approximately two-thirds of the participants chose events connected to the expansion of rights, while roughly one-sixth selected military or diplomatic events, and another one-sixth identified events related to economic or scientific achievements.
For many, the end of slavery following the Civil War and the ratification of the 13th Amendment in 1865 were top of mind. This amendment formally abolished slavery in the U.S., liberating more than 4 million enslaved individuals. A man from Texas in his 30s remarked that abolishing slavery was a magnificent achievement and noted that utilizing laws to assist people was a past strength of the nation. Others suggested the 13th Amendment established a foundation for equal opportunity. A woman in her 50s noted that it provided freedom for everyone, ensuring equal rights, the ability to work, the right to speak one’s opinion, and access to education.
Some participants highlighted later developments that further expanded rights for Black Americans, along with the national expansion of voting rights for women through the 1920 ratification of the 19th Amendment, which served as a major milestone for the women’s suffrage movement. An older woman from California, who is an educator, mentioned how the right to vote led to greater educational opportunities. She noted that she has observed a clear difference since she started her career in the 1970s, including more scholarships and better access to education. Additionally, the 1972 passage of Title IX, which prohibited gender-based discrimination in federally funded institutions, was also cited as a key accomplishment.
Other respondents focused on American successes on the world stage via military or diplomatic efforts, including the U.S. victory in World War II alongside the Allies. A Washington state man in his mid-60s, who identifies as a Republican, stated that the war preserved Western values and changed the direction of the world, noting that the victory was a triumph of democracy over fascism. Conversely, a Virginia man in his 40s, who is a Democrat, viewed the end of World War II as a moment when the nation was unified and patriotic. He expressed frustration with the current state of the country and criticized former President Donald Trump, calling him a disgrace. A man from Tennessee in his early 30s viewed the victory as a testament to U.S. military might, quoting a 2019 speech by Medal of Honor recipient former Army Staff Sgt. David Bellavia to emphasize America’s standing on the global stage.
Technological advancements, specifically the space program, were also highly valued. With NASA planning to return to the moon via the Artemis program, many chose the moon landings as a peak achievement. A man from Idaho in his mid-20s expressed amazement that the mission was accomplished using 1960s technology. A man from Massachusetts in his 40s viewed the moon landing as a reminder of American ingenuity, stating that the U.S. is a country of remarkable democratic and technological achievement, marking its status as a stable democracy and showcasing the fruits of its progress.
