Gabi Gallo Whipple/Kelley AP US History/AP English 9/21/12 What is an American? America was formed by colonists from many countries.

Colonists inhabited America and formed their own societies. These societies began to work together for a common good, survival. Eventually, they sought to separate from mother countries and become an independent nation. The Americans brought their skills, knowledge, work ethic and dedication, as well as diversity. Along the way, they sought the freedom that shaped America and how they defined themselves as Americans. Americans did not originate from a specific place or region. They came from all over the world to settle in the New World, which became the United States. Americans became a strange mixture of blood unique from any other country (de Crevecoeur). Settlers and colonists brought their cultures and traditions, which helped mold the culture and traditions of America. The mixture of nationalities and races has made America the ultimate melting pot. Each country and region represented in the creation of America brought some skill or knowledge to the new country. An American is someone who is learned. Americans have various gifts and talents. They have worked hard for their success and prospered for it. Chief Redcloud saw the Americans were skillful in things we know nothing about, (Chief Redcloud) and acknowledged that, in that way, they were superior to the Native Americans. The work

ethic and drive for success and to learn and be the greatest country is what makes an American. They never give up and rise to challenges, no matter how difficult they may be. For example, when Pearl Harbor was bombed, tens of thousands of American men [joined] the armed forces (The U.S. Home Front During World War II, The History Channel Website). Young American men knew the risks, yet still wanted to join the war effort and fight for their country. Being an American also means having equal rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness (Declaration of Independence). Americans have the chance to get an education and work hard to succeed in life. Some Americans may not take advantage of this luxury, but it is a right guaranteed to everyone. Many Americans can take pride in the fact that they came from disadvantaged backgrounds, yet worked hard to succeed and make a good life for their families. Americans can work toward doing what they love, no matter their race, gender, religion, age, or ability. That opportunity has existed since the very beginning of America, and has served as a source of pride for all Americans since that time. The new Americans gathered their experience and previous knowledge and used them to survive and prosper. Not only did Americans prosper, but they shaped an entire and set the stage for the rest of the world with their revolutionary ideas and concepts. Freedom and equal opportunity are luxuries many countries do not have. This, combined with work ethic and the background from which America arose, defines an American as someone set off from the citizens of any other country.

Works Cited: "The U.S. Home Front During World War II." The History Channel Website. A&E Television Networks, 2012. Web. 24 Sept. 2012. <http://www.history.com/topics/us-home-front-during-world-war-ii>. Chief Red Cloud. "Address to President Grant." Washington. Sept. 2012. Speech. J. Hector St. John de Crevecoeur, Letters from an American Farmer; ed. Albert E. Stone (New York: Penguin, 1981) 68-71, 85.