APUSH THEME 1: AMERICAN AND NATIONAL IDENTITY (NAT)

How definitions of American identity and citizenship evolved.

1776 – Declaration of Independence

Introduced ideas of equality and natural rights as foundational American values.

1790 – Naturalization Act

Limited citizenship to “free white persons,” highlighting early racial restrictions in national identity.

1840s–1850s – Manifest Destiny

Reinforced ideas of American exceptionalism and expansion as part of the national identity.

1868 – 14th Amendment

Redefined citizenship by granting it to all born in the U.S., including formerly enslaved people.

1890–1920 – Progressive Era

Redefined American identity around reform, civic duty, and inclusion of immigrants.

1950s–60s – Civil Rights Movement

Challenged racial exclusions from national identity; landmark legislation like the Civil Rights Act (1964) redefined equality.

Post-9/11 Era

National identity became closely linked to national security, surveillance, and debates over immigration.