America 250: How has the concept of patriotism evolved?

From the secretaries desk,

I signed up to be an ambassador for the America 250 campaign with the Idaho State Historical Society. It's America's 250th birthday and the only 'big one' I'll ever get to be a part of. I am interviewing Idahoans over the next several months about what the ideals of the Declaration of Independence mean to them. Please share your stories about life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness in Idaho and how Idahoans have contributed to liberty, justice, and equality. Contact me at svoldtimers@gmail.com if you are interested. 

As I begin to formulate questions about this subject, I went to Google AI and asked it to create a timeline of American patriotism. I read through it a few times and cannot find any exaggerations or nonfactual content. It's worth a read.   

(from Google AI 11/22/2025) 

The concept of

American patriotism has evolved from a unifying force for independence and a shared civic vision to a more complex and sometimes divisive idea, with varying interpretations tied to political affiliation, government support, and social justice.

 Evolution of American Patriotism

• American Revolution Era (Late 1700s): Patriotism centered on the shared goal of independence from the British Crown and the establishment of a nation based on ideals of liberty and self-governance. It required self-sacrifice and a focus on community well-being over individual gain. For many colonists, being a patriot meant opposing the established government to uphold what they saw as their inherent rights. 
•  19th and Early 20th Centuries: Patriotism often intensified during major conflicts like the Civil War and the World Wars, serving to unite a growing and diverse nation. During this time, it could also manifest as intense nationalism or jingoism, sometimes leading to the exclusion of certain immigrant groups and a narrow definition of what it meant to be "American".
• Mid-to-Late 20th Century: The post-Vietnam and Watergate eras saw a period where patriotic expression became more complicated and intertwined with skepticism toward the government. The definition of patriotism began to diverge: for some, it remained about unquestioning support for government policies, while for others, it involved critique and dissent to ensure the government upheld democratic values and civil rights.
• Post-9/11 Era: The September 11 attacks initially sparked a powerful, unifying wave of patriotism, marked by widespread flag displays and national unity. However, as the U.S. engaged in prolonged wars in the Middle East, this sentiment waned and the debate over what constitutes patriotism reignited, often aligning with views on foreign policy and government trust.
• Contemporary America: Patriotism is a deeply contested and polarized concept today. Different groups hold differing views on its meaning:
  • Civic Patriotism: For many, true patriotism means a commitment to democratic processes, civic engagement, and working to "mend America's flaws" through social justice and advocating for change.
  • Nationalist Patriotism: For others, patriotism is more closely tied to national symbols, a strong national identity (which can be exclusionary), and supporting the government and its policies without question.
  • Declining Sentiment: Recent polls indicate a significant decline in Americans who express being "extremely proud" of their country, particularly among younger generations, a trend linked to political polarization, societal inequities, and economic pessimism. 

Ultimately, while the core ideals of liberty and freedom remain central, the expression and definition of American patriotism are constantly being reinterpreted through the lens of current events, individual experiences, and political perspectives.