A set of the United States patriotic values aimed at creating a collective American identity, and can be defined as "an articulation of the nation's rightful place in the world, a set of traditions, a political language, and a cultural style imbued with political meaning". According to the U.S. veterans' organization, Americanism is an ideology, or belief in devotion, loyalty, or allegiance to the United States of America, or to its flag, traditions, customs, culture, symbols, institutions, or form of government.
Americanism has two different meanings. It can refer to the
defining characteristics of the United States and can also signify loyalty to
the United States and a defense of American political ideals. These ideals
include, but are not limited to self-government, equal opportunity, freedom of
speech, and a belief in progress. This collection of ideals that forms the
modern ideology of Americanism holds an enduring appeal to people from lands
throughout the globe.