Americans divided on nation's history as 250th anniversary nears

PBS NewsHour
by Judy Woodruff
March 18, 2026
3 min read

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Americans remain divided over how to interpret and commemorate the nation's history as the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence approaches.

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Americans are sharply divided over how to interpret and remember the nation's history as the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence approaches. PBS NewsHour's Judy Woodruff examines these fault lines in her "America at a Crossroads" series, exploring competing narratives about the country's founding and legacy. The disagreement reflects broader cultural tensions over whose version of American history should be taught, commemorated, and passed down to future generations. These divisions have intensified in recent years amid debates over education curricula, monument removals, and how institutions reckon with slavery and systemic racism. The upcoming milestone anniversary is sharpening focus on how Americans define their national identity and shared purpose.

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