National American Day

American Flag in the background, a family having a picnic with classic American dishes, kids playing baseball in a local park, iconic US landmarks in the background, diverse group of people wearing red, white, and blue clothing.. — National american day illustration

Ah, National American Day! A delightful occasion that celebrates all things American. From food and sports to finance and romance, it's a day full of excitement and patriotic spirit. So, get ready to dive into this lively article and explore the fascinating history of National American Day!

When is American Day?

It's national american day on the 15th November.

The History of National American Day

Let's take a trip back in time to discover how National American Day came to be. This special day originated on November 15, 2015, when it first caught the attention of online enthusiasts with a whopping 24 mentions. Since then, it has become a much-anticipated event on the internet calendar.

Now, you might be wondering what exactly is celebrated on National American Day. Well, as the name suggests, it’s a day dedicated to all things American. It’s a time to celebrate the unique culture, traditions, and achievements of the United States.

How to Celebrate National American Day

There are countless ways to celebrate National American Day, so we’ve gathered a few ideas to get you started:

Gather your loved ones and host a classic American barbecue complete with mouthwatering burgers, hot dogs, and apple pie.
Organize a game of baseball or American football in your backyard or at the local park.
Take a moment to reflect on American history and visit a museum or landmark that holds significance.
Support local businesses by buying products made in the USA.
Indulge in some classic American movies or music to immerse yourself in the culture.

Did You Know?

Did you know that baseball, often referred to as ‘America’s pastime’, is deeply intertwined with American culture? It originated in the mid-19th century and has since captured the hearts of millions. The first officially recorded baseball game took place on June 19, 1846, in Hoboken, New Jersey. So, next time you watch a baseball game, remember its rich history and its special place in American culture.

History behind the term 'American'

1507

The Naming of America

In 1507, the term 'American' was first used to refer to the New World. It was named in honor of the Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci, who claimed to have discovered the continent. The German cartographer Martin Waldseemüller used the name 'America' on his world map, 'Universalis Cosmographia,' becoming the first to refer to the continent as such.

1492

Discovery by Christopher Columbus

In 1492, Christopher Columbus, an Italian explorer commissioned by the Spanish Monarchs, set sail to find a new sea route to Asia. He reached the islands of the Caribbean and mistakenly believed he had arrived in the East Indies. Columbus referred to the indigenous people he encountered as 'Indians,' but his journey marked the beginning of the term 'American' to describe the lands and people of the Western Hemisphere.

1507

Name derived from Amerigo Vespucci

In 1507, German cartographer Martin Waldseemüller created a map that recognized the New World as a separate continent from Asia. He named it 'America' in honor of Amerigo Vespucci, an Italian explorer who had established that the lands discovered by Columbus were indeed a part of a separate landmass. This map became widely influential, and the term 'America' gradually gained usage to denote the newly discovered continent.

1776

The Declaration of Independence

On July 4, 1776, the American colonies declared their independence from Great Britain, marking the birth of the United States of America. The term 'American' began to be widely used to denote the inhabitants of the new nation, distinguishing them from British colonists and other nationalities.

1776

Declaration of Independence

On July 4, 1776, the United States declared independence from British rule through the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The term 'American' began to be used more frequently to describe the inhabitants of the newly established country. The American Revolution and the subsequent formation of the United States solidified the association of the term 'American' with the people and ideals of the nation.

1830

Expansion and Manifest Destiny

Throughout the 19th century, the United States expanded westward, acquiring vast territories and fulfilling the ideal of Manifest Destiny. This period saw a significant increase in the use of the term 'American' to represent the citizens of the United States. The concept of being an American shifted from solely referring to the original thirteen colonies to encompass all those who identified with the growing nation.

1865

Expansion and diversity

Following the American Civil War (1861-1865), the United States experienced significant territorial expansion and an influx of immigrants from various parts of the world. People from diverse backgrounds sought opportunities and a better life in America. As the nation grew both geographically and culturally, the term 'American' evolved to encompass the diverse populace living within its borders.

1865

The End of Slavery

The year 1865 marked the abolition of slavery in the United States with the ratification of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution. This milestone played a crucial role in shaping the meaning of being an American. Freed slaves, who were previously denied their basic rights, took on the identity of being Americans, pushing for equal rights and challenging the prevailing social norms.

20th century

American influence and global recognition

Entering the 20th century, the United States emerged as a global superpower in terms of economic strength, technological advancements, and cultural influence. American inventions, music, movies, and popular culture permeated across the world, further establishing the term 'American' as a descriptor for the nation and its contributions to various fields. Today, the term 'American' is recognized globally, representing the United States and its distinct identity.

1920

Women's Suffrage

In 1920, the 19th Amendment granted women the right to vote in the United States. This important step towards gender equality expanded the definition of 'American' to include women as active participants in the democratic process. Women's suffrage marked a significant turning point, demonstrating that being an American was not limited to a particular gender.

1960s

Civil Rights Movement

The 1960s witnessed a transformative movement for civil rights in the United States. African Americans, alongside other minority groups, fought against racial segregation and discrimination. The term 'American' took on a broader meaning as people challenged systemic racism and demanded equal treatment under the law, emphasizing inclusivity and diversity within the nation.

Did you know?

Did you know that baseball, often referred to as ‘America’s pastime’, is deeply intertwined with American culture? It originated in the mid-19th century and has since captured the hearts of millions. The first recorded baseball game took place on June 19, 1846, in Hoboken, New Jersey.