As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, a new NBC News poll reveals that Americans overwhelmingly point to the expansion of rights as the country’s greatest accomplishment, with close to two-thirds of respondents choosing events related to the abolition of slavery, civil rights and voting rights as the nation’s proudest moments.
The poll, sponsored by More Perfect, a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to advancing democracy, asked Americans an open-ended question about what they consider the country’s greatest accomplishments in its 250-year history. The responses painted a picture of a nation that values its progress toward equality and freedom above military victories and technological breakthroughs.
Three Categories of American Achievement
The poll results fell into three distinct categories. The largest group, comprising close to two-thirds of respondents, selected events related to the expansion of rights. This category included the abolition of slavery, the civil rights movement, and the extension of voting rights to previously excluded groups.
About one-sixth of respondents chose military or diplomatic-related events as the nation’s greatest achievement, with victory in World War II being a prominent selection. Another one-sixth pointed to events related to science or economic achievement, with the moon landing and space exploration leading this category.
One respondent explained the significance of rights expansion: “The abolition of slavery was a magnificent achievement for us. I think one of our strengths was we used to make laws to help people.”
The Legacy of Rights Expansion
The poll highlighted several landmark moments in American history that respondents considered transformative. The 13th Amendment, ratified in 1865, formally ended slavery in the United States and liberated more than 4 million enslaved people. This constitutional change marked a fundamental shift in the nation’s character.
The 19th Amendment, passed in 1920, gave women the right to vote, extending democratic participation to half the population. Title IX, enacted in 1972, prohibited gender-based discrimination in federally funded institutions, opening doors for women in education and athletics.
One poll respondent captured the sentiment: “It was a great thing because it gave freedom for everyone. Everybody has equal rights. Everybody has the same chance to achieve and think and speak your opinion. You have a right to speak, to work. You have a right to education, everything.”
Military Victory and World War II
For those who chose military achievements, World War II represented a defining moment for American values and global leadership. Respondents expressed that the victory preserved fundamental democratic principles against authoritarian threats.
One respondent stated that the victory “preserved our values — it changed the direction of the world, and it helped preserve our Western values.”
Another explained the stakes: “If we had lost, freedom would have been lost. You look at what was being offered by Hitler and Mussolini and all of them — it’s the opposite of that. It’s being dictated to by a dictator. It’s the essence of freedom that was won. You kind of just go back to democracy won over fascism.”
Some respondents took a more lighthearted approach to the military achievements category. One stated: “Back-to-back being World War champs. We set the standing that the U.S. is the big daddy of the world and you shouldn’t mess with us.”
Former Army Staff Sgt. David Bellavia, a Medal of Honor recipient, offered perspective on military sacrifice in a 2019 speech, saying: “So help me God, somebody else will raise your sons and your daughters.”
Science and Space Exploration
The moon landing and broader space exploration efforts captured the imagination of about one-sixth of respondents who saw technological achievement as America’s greatest accomplishment.
One respondent reflected on the Apollo missions: “Probably putting a man on the moon. The Apollo missions. I mean, technology at the time wasn’t exactly very good. I don’t know how they did it, but they put somebody up there. It’s really kind of amazing they were able to do that with 1960s technology.”
NASA is currently moving forward with plans to return to the moon with the Artemis program, continuing the legacy of space exploration that began decades ago.
Another respondent connected technological and democratic achievements: “The U.S. is a country of remarkable technological and democratic achievement. I think that we marked both our status as one of the world’s greatest and most stable democracies and the fruits of technological advancement that it has wrought.”
Political Perspectives in the Responses
The open-ended nature of the poll allowed respondents to express a range of views, including criticism of current leadership. One respondent stated: “The United States is a joke in the eyes of the world right now because of our current leader,” referring to President Donald Trump.
The diversity of responses reflected the broad spectrum of American opinion on what defines national greatness and what values should be prioritized as the country marks 250 years since its founding.
What We Know So Far
The NBC News poll, sponsored by the nonpartisan nonprofit More Perfect, used an open-ended format rather than multiple choice options to gather responses. This approach allowed Americans to freely express what they considered the nation’s greatest accomplishments without being guided by predetermined answers.
Close to two-thirds of respondents chose events related to the expansion of rights, including the abolition of slavery, civil rights advancements, and voting rights extensions. About one-sixth selected military or diplomatic achievements, with World War II victory being prominent. Another one-sixth pointed to science or economic achievements, particularly space exploration.
The poll comes as America nears its 250th anniversary, a milestone that has prompted reflection on the nation’s history and accomplishments.
What Happens Next
As the United States continues toward its 250th anniversary celebration, discussions about American achievements and values are expected to remain prominent in public discourse. The poll results from More Perfect provide insight into how Americans view their country’s legacy and what moments they consider most significant.
In the realm of space exploration, NASA continues advancing the Artemis program with plans to return Americans to the moon, potentially adding another chapter to the technological achievements that resonated with poll respondents.
Important Details
The poll was sponsored by More Perfect, described as a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to advancing democracy. The organization’s involvement in commissioning the survey reflects ongoing efforts to understand American perspectives on democratic values and national identity.
Key historical dates mentioned by respondents include 1865 when the 13th Amendment was ratified, 1920 when the 19th Amendment passed, and 1972 when Title IX was enacted. These milestones represent major expansions of rights that continue to shape American society.
The poll did not use a multiple choice format, instead allowing respondents to freely share their views on American achievements. This methodology resulted in the three broad categories of responses related to rights expansion, military victories, and scientific accomplishments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do Americans consider the greatest achievement in U.S. history?
According to the NBC News poll, close to two-thirds of Americans chose events related to the expansion of rights, including the abolition of slavery, civil rights, and voting rights, as the country’s greatest achievements.
What was the format of the NBC News poll on American achievements?
The poll used an open-ended question format rather than multiple choice, allowing respondents to freely express what they considered the nation’s greatest accomplishments in its 250-year history.
Who sponsored the poll about American achievements?
The poll was sponsored by More Perfect, a nonpartisan nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing democracy in the United States.
How many enslaved people were freed by the 13th Amendment?
The 13th Amendment, ratified in 1865, formally ended slavery in the United States and liberated more than 4 million enslaved people.
The poll results offer a window into American values as the nation approaches a major historical milestone, revealing that for most respondents, the expansion of rights and freedoms represents the country’s most significant contribution to history.
