The United States is a nation with an identity that encompasses the cultural contributions of the people who first inhabited the land, as well as those who came to settle later. It could be said that the identity of the United States began July, 4, 1776, when America declared its independence from Great Britain. However, there were many individuals who contributed to the American society long before 1776.

Source: Early Indian Tribes

American Indians were the original inhabitants of what we now call the United States. American Indians have continued to shape the identity of the United States.

Click on the images below to learn about American Indians who contributed the American identity.

Clashes with settlers over land and the spread of disease led to the decline of the American Indian. The decline of the American Indian was further impacted by their forced removal from their lands to Indian reservations.

As a result, the population of American settlers began to grow. Soon there were 13 established colonies whose inhabitants would make arguably the most important contribution to the American identity. Many colonists, such as the Founding Fathers, made tremendous contributions to the political foundation of the United States. Their political thoughts and ideas provided the framework on which the United States functions today.

Read more about a few of the Founding Fathers of the United States.

Source: Stuart George Washington constable 1797, Krscal, Wikimedia

George Washington

George Washington was a hero in the American Revolutionary War, and he served as the first president of the United States.

Source: Thomas Jefferson by Rembrandt Peale1800

Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States, was the drafter of the Declaration of Independence.

Source: Thomas Paine rev1, Digimon340, Wikipedia

Thomas Paine

Not all of the Founding Fathers served as president of the United States. Thomas Paine, a representative from Virginia in the Continental Congress, is considered a Founding Father because of his strong oratory skills. In his famous pamphlet Common Sense, he outlined reasons that Americans should declare independence from Great Britain.

While these individuals have contributed to the national identity of America through their character, strength, and ideas, they represent only a few contributors. In this lesson, you will read about other individuals who have contributed to the identity of the United States.