The first people who settled in North - America probably came across the Bering Sea from Siberia during the ice age of approximately 10 000 to 30 000 years ago. These were the ancestors of the ethnic group that later became known as the Indians (or Native Americans)

For hundreds of years the United States has been attracting immigrants from a variety of different countries, races, and religions to come live in a land full of freedom and opportunity. These people were looking for more than just rights and privileges. Their real desire was to become something that depicts pride and honor, an American. Being an American means much more than living in the United States. Along with the name come a number of different benefits such as, freedom of speech to express your own opinion, freedom of religion, and equality for all, including different sexes, races, religions and status.

As Americans, they should be very proud of the privileges their possess, because many other countries are not fortunate enough to have all these freedoms. Their freedoms are what set Americans apart from other citizens. Americans have the opportunity to acquire a good education and receive a satisfying career. Apart from some countries, American people of all different races and religions can live and work together because everyone is allowed an equal opportunity.

As a people Americans are united with a sense of pride for their country. All Americans should be proud of what the United States has accomplished. Their country has become a major influence to other countries. It is rising to be one of the most developed, wealthy, and most advanced in the world.

Another quality that unites all Americans is its monumental past. Monuments, like the Lincoln Memorial, federal holidays such as the 4th of July, and historical landmarks, like war battlefields, are just some models of a time or place that all Americans can share. These relics remind Americans of the struggle our country endured to gain freedom and the sacrifices important heroes made for the country. These reminders should make all Americans proud of their heritage.

On the other hand, there are some barriers that divide the American people. A major dispute found among Americans is political issues. Some Americans may favor the Democratic Party as some Americans may favor the Republican Party. People will have different opinions on issues in their community, and this could cause friction or barriers between the groups. A common example of this division is the ongoing dispute over prohibiting abortion. Americans are divided into two groups over this issue. Pro-life members believe abortion is a wrong and should not be done, and pro-choice members believe that the woman deserves a choice to keep her baby. Although it is very uncommon Americans can seldom be divided by religion or race, however this division is never an extreme occurrence or conflict.

My opinion:

The history of the United States should be a vital requirement for all Americans to discover. I think it is very important that all Americans study the history of their country because many important and altering events happened hundreds of years before we were born. All Americans should be reminded of what our country and its people have endured. After all the conditions we live in today are the effects of our past.