Historian Heather Cox Richardson Assesses America’s First 250 Years

American flags fly near the U.S. Capitol Building on March 10, 2026. | Al Drago/Getty Images

How would you grade America’s first 250 years? That’s the question posed to historian and professor Heather Cox Richardson on the latest episode of America, Actually. The inquiry is one I’ve also reflected on deeply.

Grades are inherently subjective, and the criteria for passing depend entirely on perspective. Yet, after careful consideration, the best assessment I could assign is a B-/C+.

The enduring model of a multiracial democracy—despite its fragility—warrants recognition. So too does the nation’s legacy of innovation, from groundbreaking inventions to world-renowned academic institutions. The cultural influence of American music, film, and sports further bolsters its standing. However, demerits are warranted for systemic injustices, both domestic and global, as well as the prioritization of certain sports over others. On balance, a passing grade feels justified.

In our conversation, Richardson emphasized that the country is entering a period of profound transformation, particularly as President Donald Trump reshapes government institutions to align with his expansive ambitions. With a focus on America’s trajectory post-Trump and the upcoming elections, I pressed Richardson on the responsiveness of our democracy—and whether voters remain committed to preserving it, especially in light of the 2024 election results.

For an excerpt of our discussion—lightly edited for clarity and length—read on. The full episode explores deeper themes, including a proposed new founding document for America’s next 250 years, outlining values that could earn the nation an A+ in the future. Listen to America, Actually on your preferred podcast platform or watch it on Vox’s YouTube channel.

America’s Reinvention: Past, Present, and Future

As I prepared for this interview, I revisited Richardson’s argument that the U.S. has undergone fundamental reinvention roughly every 80 to 90 years—from its founding to the Civil War to the New Deal. I asked how she views these transformations: What forces drive them, and are we experiencing another such period today?

Richardson clarified that she doesn’t use the term “reinvention” outright. Instead, she frames it as a continuous process of addressing new challenges. The nation’s foundational principles, though initially limited in scope, were designed to be expansive enough to adapt over time. Through history, America has confronted monumental shifts—westward expansion, industrialization, globalization, and the advent of nuclear weapons—expanding democracy to better align with its core documents.

Are we in such a moment now? Absolutely, Richardson asserts.

What Forces Shape America’s Transformations?

When reflecting on pivotal moments of change, Richardson asks: How do we summon the creativity to meet new challenges? What seeds of progress should we be nurturing? These questions underscore the urgency of the present era, as the nation grapples with evolving threats to its democratic ideals and global standing.