Historian Urges Celebrating America's Achievements Over Political Divisions on 250th Anniversary
Professor Gil Troy argues that instead of deepening cultural wars over American history, the focus should be on celebrating the scientific, innovative, and freedom-based achievements that have made the United States the "land of opportunity" and an inspiration worldwide. As the US marks its 250th birthday, political polarization has turned the occasion into a battleground, with Trump supporters romanticizing history and opponents emphasizing grievances and past injustices. Troy suggests learning from history, noting that every 50 years Americans have celebrated not only their founding ideals but also transformative inventions like the railroad, electric light, moon landing, and mRNA vaccines.
He highlights that while many today struggle to celebrate 1776 or figures like Thomas Jefferson due to the legacy of slavery and civil war, the nation should instead honor its tangible achievements in technology, infrastructure, and growth. Troy points to dramatic improvements since 1976, such as the collapse of the Soviet Union, increased life expectancy, reduced smoking rates, cleaner air, and major declines in heart disease and cancer mortality. These advances required both scientific breakthroughs and courageous political leadership.
Troy and David Suissa have published an e-book titled "250 Reasons to Thank America," blending ideological, technological, social, economic, and cultural milestones to inspire hope. Troy also released a guide on the US-Israel partnership for the 250th anniversary, emphasizing shared values, strategic interests, and the unique alliance between the two nations. He calls on Israelis and Americans to celebrate this special relationship and the ongoing ability of both countries to turn the impossible into routine achievements, often thanks to their diverse citizens and even their rivals.
Troy is a historian of US presidents and a senior fellow at the Jewish People Policy Institute in Jerusalem. His works for the 250th anniversary aim to counter despair by highlighting enduring cooperation and progress despite political tensions.
