Will America Survive Another 250 Years? We Asked 11 Historians.

From a fledgling republic to a global superpower, the United States has constantly reinvented itself over the last 250 years.

Americans have expanded democracy and driven innovation. They’ve also confronted war, economic upheaval and long struggles over equality and justice.

Now, the country faces a new era of uncertainty: Americans are debating the United States’ role in the world, losing faith in its institutions and grappling with deep political and cultural divisions. In this moment, the semiquincentennial gives us the opportunity to evaluate the latest iteration of America — and how we got here.

To mark America 250, we asked 11 historians and writers to reflect on the lessons U.S. history has taught us. They told us what grade they’d give the current state of American democracy, what it means to be an American today and what the country needs to last another 250 years.

The Interviews

What makes someone an American in 2026?

How has America’s role in the world changed, and what is its role today?

What does America need to last another 250 years?

The Lightning Round

1. What is the single most important year in American history?

2. What letter grade would you give the current state of American democracy?

3. Who was the most underrated — and/or the most overrated — president?

4. What was the most avoidable American crisis?

5. What single word best describes America at 250?

6. Who is your favorite figure in American history who was NOT a president?

7. What’s the one book every American should read?

The Survey