What does it mean to be a nation?

A nation is a unified people that work together for a better tommorow. Many nations have come and gone but the United States has stood tried and true. We have come over many obstacles and conquered many hardships but we still stand proudly today as a unified nation. In our past we have done things that many would deem horrific and wrong, many have even said that we have set up to fail but we are still here and even through those horrific events, e.g. The Trail of Tears, we have tried to right our wrongs and become better than before. The structure of a nation should be that of a good government, one that holds their people high and mighty and protects them at all costs. A nation should have a great military, one that can protect its country and one that is not afraid to die for freedom. Last of all a nation should show the rest of the world that they are a force to be dealt with and they are no push over's. If you want a true definition of a great nation look at America and you will find your definition.

I know that America is a great nation, but in my process of writing this, a question popped in my head that I cant seem to answer. Is America the greatest nation there is? This is a question that has haunted me in my process of writing all this. America may have done some things that can be deemed evil and horrific, but it was only because we thought it was for the best right, or were we just blinded by our greed as a young nation to grow in power and strength? Among the wrongs America has committed some good can be found. We have always tried to help other countries in need and we have never let an ally suffer. America has always done what is best for the people and has rarely let them down. Maybe the question stated above can never be answered but something can be said for America and that is they are a nation that refuses to give in and give up.