America at 250
The story of America is, in many ways, a story of reinvention. On its 250th birthday, we reflect on how the nation has sustained its economic strength by embracing change and new ideas—and how America’s leaders, innovators, and changemakers can shape its next chapter in a continually evolving world.
Featured Insights
Adapting for America’s next chapter: An interview with CQ Brown
The former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff describes the value of challenging the status quo, strengthening institutions, and inspiring the next generation of leaders.
Lessons in resilience, leadership, and trust: An interview with Kathy Roth-Douquet
The Blue Star Families’ CEO explains what the military family experience reveals about the meaning of service and the relationships that can strengthen community bonds.
Building America’s innovation engine: An interview with David Lebryk
The former US Treasury official shares how government can deliver in moments of crisis and how America’s public–private sector dynamic can help fuel its next era of growth.
At 250, sustaining America’s competitive edge
America’s history of reinvention holds compelling lessons as the nation confronts a future of immense if uncertain opportunity
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
McKinsey Global Publishing would like to thank, first and foremost, the authors of these articles for their contributions and analysis. And we want to acknowledge the many direct contributors who collaborated to bring this experience to you, including Amanda Soto, Angie Fetherston, Ania Szantruczek, Belinda Yu, Dan Spector, Dana Sand, Diane Rice, Drew Holzfeind, Emily Kiernan, Erica Grove, Gwyn Herbein, Heather Byer, Ilani Lorber, Janet Michaud, Jon Spaner, Jonathon Rivait, Julie Macias, Julie Schwade, Kanika Punwani, Katie Shearer, Katrina Parker, Khadijah Koroma, LaShon Malone, Lauren Kyger, Mark Staples, Mary Gayen, Michael Goesele, Nancy Cohn, Nathan Wilson, Nick Schuller, Noor Hassan, Pamela Norton, Philip Mathew, Pooja Yadav, Querida Anderson, Rama Ramaswami, Regina Small, Sarah Thuerk, Sneha Vats, Stephanie d’Arc Taylor, Stephen Landau, Tara Haase, Vanessa Burke, and Victor Cuevas.