AMERICANISM

Americanism, as American patriotism, is a set of patriotic values which aim to create a collective American identity for the United States that can be defined as "an articulation of the nation's rightful place in the world, a set of traditions, a political language, and a cultural style endowed with political meaning".  According to the American Legion, a U.S. veterans' organization, Americanism is an ideology, or a beliefin devotion, loyalty, or allegiance to the United States of America, or respect for its flag, its traditions, its customs, its culture, its symbols, its institutions, or its form of government.  In the words of Theodore Roosevelt, "Americanism is a question of spirit, conviction, and purpose, not of creed or birthplace."

Americanism has two different meanings: the defining characteristics of the United States, or loyalty to the United States and defense of American political ideals. These ideals include but are not limited to independence,equality before the law, freedom of speech, Capitalism, and progress.

How do you identify Americanism?

Americanism stresses a collective political identity based on the principles outlined in the Constitution of the United States by the Founding Fathers. Such ideologies include republicanism, freedom, liberty, individualism, constitutionalism, human rights, and the rule of law.

Americanism noun

Amer·​i·​can·​ism ə-ˈmer-ə-kə-ˌni-zəm -ˈmər-,-ˈme-rə-

1) : a characteristic feature of American English especially as contrasted with British English

2) : attachment or allegiance to the traditions, interests, or ideals of the U.S.

3)    a) : a custom or trait peculiar to America

       b) : the political principles and practices essential to American culture

For American Legion members, we take a monthly oath which includes: 100% Americanism.  See - https://www.legion.org/magazine/244581/definition-americanism