Editor's Note

photo of the title page of The Pennsylvania Magazine, with engraved illustration of American symbols, from July 1776
Photograph by Rythum Vinoben for The Atlantic. Document courtesy of the John Carter Brown Library.

The American Experiment

At 250, the Revolution’s goals remain noble and indispensable.

Photo of Capitol Police Officer Eugene Goodman standing in doorway of Capitol Building stairwell on January 6, 2021, with hand raised, opposite a crowd of rioters
Ashley Gilbertson / VII / Redux

A Warning

America survived the first Trump term, though not without sustaining serious damage. A second term, if there is one, will be much worse.

Foto del agente de policía del Capitolio Eugene Goodman parado en la entrada de las escaleras del edificio del Capitolio el 6 de enero de 2021, con la mano levantada, frente a una multitud de alborotadores.
Ashley Gilbertson / VII / Redux

Una advertencia

Estados Unidos sobrevivió al primer mandato de Trump, aunque no sin sufrir daños graves. Un segundo mandato, si lo hay, será mucho peor.