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Darin Dutson
Professor Kevin Cantera
History 1700
27 January 2014
What is American Civilization?
Think of your past. Think of the things that have made you. What do you think of?
Interestingly enough, past events in your life make you who you are. At a larger scale, American
Civilization is what has happened in the past to make up our culture as Americans today.
Civilization here in America is so diversified that we can always learn from one another. Our
fortunate situation proves much opportunity, but also requires great sacrifice.
Our current state is defined by our past. A wise man, by the name of Lawrence E.
Cobridge, once mentioned something I will never forget. He talked about how each and every
one of our past decisions makes up who we are in our present state. He emphasized that even the
decisions that seem insignificant play a large role in our behavior (Cobridge 4). A civilization is
made up of individuals; people with desires and passions. The American society was founded by
outstanding characters who understood ethics. We have seen that people with core values can
make an enormous impact in their own lives and the lives of others. I fully believe that I, through
my actions, can make a difference. American Civilization is a result of this kind of belief. Our
Founding Fathers, along with many others, simply trusted that they could create an indivisible
nation, dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal (Bellamy 1; Lincoln 1). As
present citizens of this great country, we have a responsibility to grasp firmly this idea of unity.
For only through unity can we prevail against the most difficult of trials.
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America is made up of fighters. We are the survivors of those who were struggling to get
by in the beginning. Fortunately, we presently enjoy the luxuries of doing as we desire. We have
the decision to be successful, primarily because of those men and women who fought, those who
persevered, and those who sacrificed practically everything to create this beautiful reality of
liberty. As we continue to battle, we can also help our kindred understand these morals so that
they can keep American Civilizations torch burning toward a bright future.
Our civilization thrives on serving one another. We can all agree that we have the ability
to be different because we have shown it in the past. Large chunks of our history show
extraordinary people serving in their capacities to bring about a better result. Take George
Washington, for example. This great man took part in assigning a president to our nation rather
than royalty, because he understood the dangers of monarchy. He later resigned from office so
that he would not be labeled a king. If we destroy that perspective of selflessness by lust and
greed, we will never thrive, but our flame that burns so bright will be doused. However, if we
recognize the great events that have taken place before our existence in this nation, we can easily
comprehend our assignment: To demonstrate the principles of our Fathers. We must seek to
build, not to destroy. The true American Civilization consists of you and me, making the choice
to promote others well-being above our own.
It is my firm aspiration that we are able to continue building on this outstanding nation. If
we study and recognize what made American Civilization so remarkable in the past, we can
understand how to make it remarkable in the present. Defining American Civilization is
effortless: it is patriotism. It is learning. It is sacrifice. It is freedom. It is selflessness. It is faith.

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Works Cited
Bellamy, Francis. The Pledge of Allegiance. Historic Documents. Independence Hall
Association. 1995-2013. Web. 25 January 2014.
< http://www.ushistory.org/documents/pledge.htm>
Cobridge, Lawrence E. The Fourth Missionary. Google Docs. Page 4. Google. 22 June 2002.
Web. 25 January 2014
< https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B-RFrnIsrlQYdElsQ0ZHN2hzREE/preview>
Lincoln, Abraham. The Gettysburg Address. Historic Documents. Independence Hall
Asscociation. 1995-2013. Web. 25 January 2014.
<http://www.ushistory.org/documents/gettysburg.htm>