Americans Rank Civil Rights Top National Achievement in NBC Poll, Ahead of WWII and Moon Landing
Updated
Updated · NBC News · Jun 25
Americans Rank Civil Rights Top National Achievement in NBC Poll, Ahead of WWII and Moon Landing
2 articles · Updated · NBC News · Jun 25
Summary
Nearly two-thirds of respondents in a new NBC News poll named the expansion of rights as America’s greatest achievement, far outpacing military, diplomatic, scientific and economic milestones.
The open-ended survey found abolition of slavery and later gains such as civil rights, voting rights and women’s suffrage dominated answers as the U.S. approaches its 250th anniversary.
About one-sixth of respondents chose military or diplomatic achievements, with World War II victory cited as preserving freedom, democracy and U.S. standing in the world.
Another roughly one-sixth pointed to science or economic advances, especially the moon landing, which respondents described as proof of American ingenuity despite 1960s-era technology.