weeks at the Los Angeles Olympics the United States has proved itself the world leader in terms of sport. But our long-term identity as a nation is firmly rooted in the past. History affects every context of the way we act, and how we consider ourselves. The events of the past shape each nation, and determine the national character of its citizens. A simple example would be the United States: a nation born from struggle. Colonialism, geographical expansion, civil war and external threats all made a mark on the character of this country, forcing us to be independent, hardy, capable and self-reliant. Our place as the leading economic and cultural power in the world is a direct result of that history. It determines how we see ourselves in the mirror, and how we live our everyday lives,” concluded Court, pausing to gauge th...

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