American Freeedom
Photo courtesy of bbc.com.
In 1776, Freedom was defined less as a political or social status than as a spiritual condition. Freedom is a huge factor in how we live our lives. Americans are known worldwide for having the “best” freedom or as many call it the American dream. Ever since our birth in 1776, we’ve had Freedom but what does that mean? How has that freedom changed in the last 245 years? I sat down with some people of all different ages to get to know their point of view on what they think American Freedom means. These people are teachers, students, co-workers, and family members. To show how freedom has changed we will be exploring some of the biggest events that hurt or benefitted the US.
The Vietnam War
November 1, 1955 – April 30, 1975
This is one of the first events that change American citizens’ views on Freedom. War, sent Americans as young as 19 years old over to Vietnam to go fight and die in an unknown land. The war was controversial because soldiers were not happy they, were forceable being sent over. Then, citizens at home were not happy that we were fighting. The war changed people’s views on American Freedom. It used to be a spiritual idea, but the Vietnam war made people feel that freedom was now becoming an idea for the wealthy as they didn’t have to fight in the war if they had wealth or education. Although this did change the aspect of freedom in a negative way, it was beneficial to the education system as after the war many people went to college more.
The Moon Landing
July 20, 1969
One event that is not spoken enough about in the history of US Freedoms is the Moon Landing. The Cold War is a complicated subject. The USSR and the USA were allies in WW2 but became enemies when they disagreed on the political ideologies of Capitalism and Communism. Hence, the USA decided to try wiping Communism off the map. America refused to lose this fight and showed its dominance in technology.
My grandfather recalls “it being the craziest and one of the most Patriotic things to see.” Surely enough On July 20, 1969, America won the “Space Race”. This changed freedom again by showing Americans and the world that the freedom that we give people can make and do out of this world things.
Richard Nixon’s Resignation
August 8, 1974
Betrayal and cheating are never the way to go. This is especially true. if you represent an entire country. in 1972 this would not be the case. Richard Nixon, our 37th president, was accused of cheating in the election. This become known as the Watergate. He would resign before being fired. This changed many people’s ideas of freedom. Before this event, most government officials were responsible and never were found doing anything like cheating or hurting American society. Ever since then, scandals, suspicious ideas, and other countries intervening have been an issue, and due, to this, Democrats and Republicans have drifted farther and farther away from each other. Author of Where the Presidents Were Born, Where the Presidents Died, and Grants Tomb, Louis Picone, says “this moment in history would begin the division of our country.”
The September 11th Attacks
December 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor, was the first time since 1912 that Americans had been attacked on their own soil. The next time we’re attacked would be 60 years later. 9/11 was one of the most devastating things to ever happen to our Country. Many people I asked said that the attacks of 9/11 were the biggest impact on freedom. This was not because of the attack the day after the attack America came closer together than some say it ever has. This Truly showed what it means to be an American that you stand up for what you believe in. This is one of the first events we see in a while that has a positive impact on our freedom. Although we lost hundreds of Americans, Americans were brought closer together.
The last big event that defines our freedom is the last 2-3 elections. Whether you are a democrat, a republican, or whatever you choose everyone can understand that the last few elections have been hurting the unity of the country we all live in.“America hasn’t been this separated since the civil war,” says Mel Leipzig. This is mostly in part due to the beliefs of Republicans and Democrats and how they steer farther away from each other as the years go along. As our 16th President, Abe Lincoln said “A house divided against itself can not stand” America needs to be brought back together because without it we can be a very lost country.
Looking back at all the events we find that American Freedom is a twisty turny never-ending road that has had ups and downs. American Freedom today shows that no matter who you are you have chances and opportunities that other countries’ citizens don’t. It is important we take these opportunities so we can make a better brighter and more promising future for the next generation of American citizens. Freedom today doesn’t have one set definition and after the last six decades, it will never have one nonetheless we still have freedom in more ways than one.
Sources:
https://www.britannica.com/list/25-decade-defining-events-in-us-history
https://www.tti.com/content/ttiinc/en/resources/blog/10-best-electronic-inventions-from-the-70.html
https://www.pbs.org/opb/thesixties/timeline/timeline_text.html
https://www.thepeoplehistory.com/1970.html
Images:
https://www.britannica.com/event/Vietnam-War
https://www.history.com/.image/t_share/MTU3ODc3NjU4NjIyNDM2Njgx/nixons-farewell.jpg
Vincent Picone is a Senior at Roxbury High School. You can find him at almost every Roxbury sporting event either taking photos or keeping stats....
