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Inquiry Proposal Actual
Inquiry Proposal Actual
Mrs. Thomas
March 1, 2017
Americans have always felt a tremendous amount of patriotism. How can we not
when we beat the British to win our freedom in the Revolutionary war, the War of 1812,
the Mexican-American War, the Indian Wars, the Spanish-American War and being back
to back World War champs. Iraq and Afghanistan have been not yet been proclaimed
victories but they successful completed their goals entering the wars. So it seems to me
like we have plenty to brag about and publicly claim our country to be the best there is.
But there must be more to why we make such proclamations, so to try and ad rational to
our claims I came upon my inquiry question: Why do Americans think the United States
is the greatest country in the world? The United States is a much younger country and a
much more civilized and technologically advanced nation. I like this question, because it
allows me to dive deeper into the history of the United States and learn more about our
The United States of America still holds the title of the worlds superpower.
However, this does not mean we are number one in every category countries are judged
on. The US ranks No. 1 in Power and Leadership, but falls short at No. 2 in political
influence behind Russia and behind China in economic influence. The one factor the US
bestows that no other country can match is our military. This might be our most
influential aspect, and one that we are most proud of. It started as farmers and local
countrymen during the revolutionary war that defeated the skilled British redcoats,
destroyed those that dared challenge the ideology of democracy or dreamed of world
domination. Our military is our pride and joy. What I have found is while we poses such a
strong offense and equivalent defense militarily, we havent put it to its proper use or we
dont have the willingness to use such force. While many saw former president Obama as
a great leader and was respected highly in much of the world, he was not willing to use
our military personnel. I dont want to get political but it is just one item that I found that
But there are factors about our country that many would consider taking our
country off its high pedestal. Our political system according to many people is skewed.
However, it was known to be not perfect by those who created it, because it places power
checks on each branch of government. Lately with the election and new president it may
look as if these powers arent being checked, so how are those powers restrained? This
system has to make our government one of the best because everything has to have a
second opinion right? This restricts any unjust moves or decisions affecting the country
as a whole. How does our system of government set us apart from other democratic
The United States was founded off personal freedoms, which were not found
overseas at the time. I believe this adds much respect from many overseas countries as
many pilgrims came to America for freedoms of religion, speech and to basically start a
new life. Is this what sparked such patriotism back in before the US was even founded or
did it start when we began the initial push away from Great Britain around 1776? Taking
a look at our countys past, it has included many wars. However most of those conflicts
occurred on foreign soil. Comparing this to the history or our European friends we have
been very fortunate. Huge disagreements have destroyed countries and reshaped their
landscapes, millions of soldiers lost, and economies left in ashes. The United States has
been very fortunate not to have similar circumstances, but we have aided in been
involved in devastating wars. This does not go to say the US hasnt taken flack or been
wounded by these events, we have merely received less battle wounds to our countrysides
My inquiry question helps me and those who read my inquiry, expand our
understanding of our great nations history, triumphs, downfalls, and the people that make
it the country it is today. Every American has some sense of patriotism inside of them,
while we may not understand why, my inquiry question may help us to understand a little