Fact Check: The real founding of the United States occurred in 1619, not 1776.

Fact Check: "The real founding of the United States occurred in 1619, not 1776."

What We Know

The claim that the true founding of the United States occurred in 1619 rather than 1776 is rooted in the historical significance attributed to both years. In 1619, the first enslaved Africans were brought to Virginia, marking a pivotal moment in the establishment of slavery in what would become the United States. This event is highlighted in The 1619 Project, which argues that the arrival of enslaved people is foundational to understanding American history and its ongoing impact on the nation.

Conversely, 1776 is recognized as the year the Declaration of Independence was adopted, articulating the principles of liberty and equality, which many argue laid the groundwork for the United States as a nation. The Declaration famously states that "all men are created equal," which has been interpreted as a foundational ideal of American democracy (source-2).

Analysis

The argument for 1619 as a foundational year emphasizes the importance of slavery in shaping American society and institutions. Nikole Hannah-Jones, the creator of The 1619 Project, asserts that understanding the impact of slavery is crucial to understanding the entirety of American history (source-1). This perspective has garnered support for its attempt to center the experiences of African Americans in the national narrative.

However, critics argue that this view distorts the founding principles of the United States, which they believe were established in 1776. For instance, Arthur Milikh argues that the Founding Fathers aimed to create a nation based on equality and that the Declaration of Independence represents a significant moral and political advancement (source-3). This perspective suggests that while slavery was a grave injustice, it does not negate the revolutionary ideals expressed in 1776.

The debate is further complicated by the political and educational contexts in which these discussions occur. Some commentators have accused The 1619 Project of promoting a narrative that paints America as fundamentally racist, while proponents argue that it seeks to provide a more comprehensive understanding of American history (source-4).

Overall, both years are significant in their own right, representing different aspects of American history: 1619 highlights the beginning of systemic racial oppression, while 1776 symbolizes the quest for freedom and equality.

Conclusion

The claim that the real founding of the United States occurred in 1619, not 1776, is Partially True. While 1619 marks a critical moment in the history of slavery in America, which undeniably shaped the nation, 1776 represents the formal establishment of the United States and its foundational ideals. Both events are essential to understanding the complex narrative of American history, and they should be taught in conjunction to provide a fuller picture of the nation's past.