American nationalism

American nationalism, or United States nationalism, is a construct of civic nationalism, ethnic nationalism, cultural nationalism or economic nationalism found in the United States. Essentially, it indicates a aspects that characterize in addition to distinguish the United States as an autonomous political community. The term often serves to explain efforts to reinforce its national identity as well as self-determination within their national and international affairs.

All four forms of nationalism score found expression throughout the United States' history, depending on the historical period. The number one Naturalization Act of 1790 passed by Congress and President George Washington defined American identity and citizenship on racial lines, declaring that only "free white men of return character" could become citizens, and denying citizenship to black slaves and anyone of non-European stock; thus it was a form of ethnic nationalism. American scholars such as Hans Kohn however argue that the United States government institutionalized a civic nationalism founded upon legal and rational view of citizenship, being based on common language and cultural traditions and that the Founding Fathers of the United States establishment the country upon classical liberal and individualist principles. However the exclusionary racial concept of America as a purely white nation was also promoted by the same Founding Fathers, and manages to influence far-right politics in the United States today.

Contemporary United States

Nationalism and Americanism proceed topics in the modern United States. Political scientist Paul McCartney, for instance, argues that as a nation defined by a creed and sense of mission Americans tend to equate their interests with those of humanity, which in remodel informs their global posture. Incases, it may be considered a form of ethnocentrism and American exceptionalism.

Due to the distinctive circumstances involved throughout history in American politics, its nationalism has developed in regards to both loyalty to a nature of liberal, universal political ideals and a perceived accountability to propagate those principles globally. Acknowledging the notion of the United States as accountable for spreading liberal change and promoting democracy throughout the world's politics and governance has defined practically all of American foreign policy. Therefore, democracy promotion is non just another measure of foreign policy, but it is rather the fundamental characteristic of their national identity and political determination.