America at 250: From ending slavery to landing on the moon, what Americans call the nation's greatest achievements

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, Americans are looking back at the defining moments that shaped the nation.

According to the latest NBC News poll, sponsored by the nonprofit More Perfect, respondents pointed to milestones that expanded freedom and civil rights, along with military victories and scientific breakthroughs.

Unlike traditional multiple-choice polls, respondents were asked an open-ended question: What is the greatest achievement in American history?

Their responses centered around three broad themes: the expansion of rights, military and diplomatic achievements, and scientific or economic progress.

At the top of the list is the extension of rights

Nearly two-thirds of respondents cited milestones related to the expansion of individual rights as America’s greatest achievement.

At the top of that list was the abolition of slavery through the 13th Amendment, ratified in 1865 after the Civil War, which formally ended slavery in the United States.

One Texas man in his 30s described success as essential to the country’s identity.

“The abolition of slavery was a spectacular achievement for us. I think one of our strengths was that we used laws to help people.”

Another respondent, a woman in her 50s, said that the end of slavery laid the foundation for equal opportunity.

“It was a great thing because it gave freedom to everyone. Everyone has equal rights. Everyone has an equal chance to achieve and think and speak their mind. You have the right to speak, to work. You have the right to education, everything.”

Many respondents also highlighted later civil rights milestones, including voting rights for women through the 19th Amendment and broader equality measures.

An educator from California recalled the importance of women’s suffrage and the social progress she witnessed.

“When women got the right to vote.”

Reflecting on the decades of change, she added, “People have more opportunities for further education than there used to be. . . . There’s more money for scholarships, more opportunities to get a good education.”

Some also pointed to Title IX, the landmark 1972 law banning sex-based discrimination in federally funded educational institutions.

World War II seen as a defining moment

About a sixth of respondents named America’s victory in World War II as the country’s greatest achievement.

For many, the Allied victory represented not only a military success, but also the preservation of democracy and freedom.

The Washington state Republican said the war changed world history.

“It preserved our values - it changed the direction of the world and helped preserve our Western values.”

He added: “If we lose, freedom will be lost… It is the essence of freedom that has been won. Democracy has triumphed over fascism.”

Others saw the war through a modern political lens.

The Virginia Democrat said the end of World War II represented a time when America seemed more united.

“When the nation was united and most together and patriotism meant something.”

He contrasted that era with today’s political climate and criticized the current leadership.

Another respondent from Tennessee described the victory as establishing America’s global military standing.

“Back-to-back being world war masters. We’ve established the position that the US is the great father of the world and you shouldn’t mess with us.”

The moon landing remains a symbol of American innovation

Scientific achievements rank alongside civil rights and military victories, with many respondents choosing the Apollo moon landing as America’s greatest achievement.

For younger Americans in particular, the astronauts landing on the moon demonstrated an extraordinary innovation.

A 20-year-old man from Idaho said, “They probably put a man on the moon. The Apollo missions. The technology wasn’t very good at the time. I don’t know how they did it, but they put someone there.”

He added: “It’s really amazing that they could do this with 1960s technology.”

Others said the moon landing represented much more than just a space mission.

The Massachusetts man described it as proof of what democratic institutions and scientific research can achieve together.

“The US is a country of remarkable technological and democratic achievement.”

He continued: “I think we have marked both our status as one of the largest and most stable democracies in the world and the fruits of technological progress that it has brought.”

Three themes define the American legacy

The survey found that Americans’ responses generally fell into three categories:

-Expansion of rights and freedoms, including the abolition of slavery, civil rights laws, and women’s suffrage.

-Military and diplomatic achievements leading to victory in World War II.

-Scientific and technological achievements, especially the Apollo moon landings and advances fueled by American innovation.

Looking at America’s 250th Anniversary

As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026, the survey suggests that Americans continue to define the country’s legacy through moments that expanded freedom, defended democracy and pushed the boundaries of scientific achievement.

While respondents differed on which achievement mattered most, many agreed that America’s greatest milestones were those that transformed both the nation and the wider world.

Read also | ‘Hottest country anywhere’: Trump’s boldest boast at America’s 250th kickoff