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Meet this Year's American History Essay Winners

The American History Essay Contest welcomes essays from students in grades 5 through 8, all centered on a theme that changes annually, often to commemorate the anniversary of an important event. The 2021-2022 American History Essay Contest commemorates the 100th anniversary of the dedication of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arlington National Cemetery. This monument was dedicated on Armistice Day in 1921, with a ceremony led by President Harding.

In their essays, students were asked to write from the perspective of a young person whose brother had lost his life in The Great War, and who had traveled to Arlington National Cemetery to be present with their family at the dedication. Students wrote about what this even meant to them and why they believed remembering those who gave their lives for our country is so important. 

This year, over 23,000 students entered the American History Essay Contest, from all 50 states. The Southeast Division was particularly active, with over 8,800 students participating, and the South Central and East Central divisions were also active with over 3,700 and 3,500 students participating, respectively. Chapters, states and divisions gathered the entries and enlisted a variety of distinguished judges to read and rank the essays. Winners from each level are forwarded to the next level. This committee wishes to thank the enthusiastic involvement of so many chapters across the country and in the Units Overseas.

The winners are:

First place

Elizabeth “Mei-Mei” Payne, a 5th grader from Kansas City, Missouri, who was sponsored by the Mission Hill Chapter in Kansas.

Catherine Hogan, a 6th reader from Farmington, CT, sponsored by the Abigail Phelps Chapter in Connecticut.

Lana Chan, a 7th grader from Cottonwood Heights, UT, sponsored by the Uintah Chapter. in Utah.

Alaina Voeller, an 8th grader from Newberg, Oregon, sponsored by the Yamhill Chapter in Oregon.

Second place

Abigail Lilly, a 5th grader from Marshall, North Carolina, sponsored by the Rebecca Sevier Waddel Chapter in North Carolina.

Ainsley Voeller, a 6th grader from Newburg, Oregon, sponsored by the Yamhill Chapter in Oregon.

Isadora Nassa, a 7th grader from Riverside, Connecticut, sponsored by the Putnam Hill Chapter in Connecticut.

Savannah Clingan, an 8th grader from Hays, Kansas, sponsored by the Courtney Spalding Chapter in Kansas.

Third place

Sophia Thompson, a 5th grader from Meridien, Idaho, sponsored by the Ee-dah-how Chapter in Idaho.

Mathias Mayo-Hostetter, a 6th grader from Los Angeles, California, sponsored by the Beverly Hills Chapter in California.

Phoebe Turner, a 7th grader from Kelly, Wyoming, sponsored by the Davey Jackson Chapter in Wyoming.

Sam Longhurst, an 8th grader from Lehi, Utah, sponsored by the Wasatch Range Chapter in Utah.

The first place winners from each grade will be presented with a pin, certificate and monetary award on stage at the Education Awards Night during Continental Congress. The second and third place winners will receive a certificate and monetary award. The National First Place Winners’ essays will be on display in the Americana Room during Continental Congress.

This committee is also delighted to see a number of familiar names: students who have entered in the past have entered again, and sets of siblings, both who have entered in their respective grade levels this year, and siblings who have entered over the past few years. We can see that students do enjoy this contest and look forward to writing essays again, and we thank all the chapters across the country and from Units Overseas for promoting this contest and making it such a successful way to reach out to our local communities!

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Through restoring historic properties, funding scholarships and supporting our troops, DAR makes a difference in local communities.

ELA Brave and True by Marilyn Yung

DAR Patriots of the American Revolution Essay Contest

High school essay contest

Looking for a high school writing contest this fall? Look no further than the Daughters of the American Revolution’s (DAR) Patriots of the American Revolution Essay Contest. In my previous teaching position, a few of my high school students participated in this contest as part of our Writer’s Workshop routine. Entering the contest was one of the options they could choose for their portfolios.

If you’re not familiar with the DAR, here’s a brief intro from the organization’s website: “The DAR, founded in 1890 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., is a non-profit, non-political volunteer women’s service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and securing America’s future through better education for children.”

My students have had great success with the  DAR Patriots of the American Revolution Essay Contest.  Within the last three years, two of my students have written essays that won at both the local and state level, where monetary prizes were awarded. Needless to say, I’m very proud of those students!

This year’s 2022-2023 contest guidelines sheet details the topic, length (800-1,200 for 6-8 grades), format, and bibliography details. (Note: Each DAR chapter designates their own individual due dates. Check with your local chapter by locating it here on the  national DAR website’s chapter locater. )

Here’s the high school essay prompt:

“Select a figure from the era of the American Revolution (1773-1783). Discuss how he or she influenced the course of the American Revolution, who he or she was and his/her contribution to the founding of a new nation. Your figure may be any person, whether a well-known figure or an everyday man, woman or child who supported the American Revolution in ways large or small.”

With that prompt in mind, here’s my advice to your students:

Choose a lesser known patriot. Go beyond the founding fathers to find and write about a patriot whom the judges won’t be as familiar with. My student who won at state last year, for example, wrote about the patriot Nancy Hart.

Download the contest guidelines by clicking the button below:

And here’s my last tip:.

Tell your students to get creative and go beyond the traditional informative essay. Blend genres, combining, for example, a journal entry with a biographical piece.

I encourage you to try the DAR Patriots of the American Revolution High School Contest with your high school students. It was a mainstay in my classes.

Thanks for reading!

Have you ever tried a DAR contest? Leave a comment below or send me a message via my  Contact Page.  If you need more info, please ask. I’ll be glad to help you however I can.

I thoroughly believe that  writing contests  can infuse ELA with relevance and a dash of project-based learning. Whenever students know their words will enter “the real world” and be reviewed by real people, it makes them take the work more seriously.

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American History Essay and Patriots of the American Revolution Essay Contest Winners

By janet westbrook posted 04-19-2023 08:00 am.

With great joy and a whole lot of sparkle, the American History Committee is proud to announce the National Winners of our contests! Many thanks to the Chapter Chairs, District Chairs, State Chairs, Division Chairs, and National Vice Chairs for all your hard work!!  Bring out the sparklers!!! The American History Essay Contest winners are as follows: 

First Place

Grade 5 Mia Neely Sponsored by Limestone Chapter, KY

Grade 6 Simona Sordoni Sponsored by Sara Riggs Humphreys-Mary Sillman Chapter, CT

Grade 7 Jamison Lilly Sponsored by Mount Desert Isle Chapter, ME

Grade 8 Emily Edwards Sponsored by Rebecca Parke Chapter, IL

Second Place

Grade 5 Ara Craig Sponsored by Princess Timpanogos Chapter, UT

Grade 6 Maria C. Sainz Sponsored by Presidio Chapter, CA

Grade 7 McKenzie Watt Sponsored by Freedom Hill Chapter, VA

Grade 8 Thalia Hanfland-Parenti Sponsored by Uintah Chapter, UT

Third Place

Grade 5 Jacob E. Catron Sponsored by Royal Oak Chapter, VA

Grade 6 Olivia Sidoti Sponsored by Shrewsbury Towne-Monmouth Chapter, NJ

Grade 7 Ainsley Voeller Sponsored by Yamhill Chapter

Grade 8 Bryan Lebitsch Sponsored by Melzingah Chapter, NY

The Patriots of the American Revolution DAR High School Essay Contest winners are as follows:

First Place Hansika Lenkala Sponsored by Abigail Phelps Chapter, CT

Second Place Elizabeth Howard Sponsored by Cumberland Country Chapter, PA

Third Place Eliana Evelyn Plopper Sponsored by Beaver Chapter, OR

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Bruce Drysdale 5th-grade student advances to national finals in DAR's essay contest

Bruce Drysdale fifth grader Lia Martinonis has advanced to the national finals in the Daughters of the American Revolution 2024 Essay Contest, and each time her essay has advanced, her family has celebrated with a cake.

She is anxiously hoping for more cake. Martinonis is one of eight fifth-grade finalists in the nation, and so far, she's won three awards for her essay — one at the local level, one at the state level and the latest for the Southeastern Division.

"I am unbelievably proud. I have felt both shocked and pleased each time I learned that I had won," she said.

And there's prize money involved: $1,000 for first place, $500 for second place and $250 for third place. The winners will be recognized at the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution Continental Congress, which is being held June 26-30 in Washington, D.C.

The topic for the contest was “Stars and Stripes Forever.” Essay writers were asked to imagine they were a newspaper reporter for The Philadelphia Times on May 14, 1897, and the newspaper's editor asked them to attend and report on the first public performance of John Philip Sousa’s new march, “The Stars and Stripes Forever.” The students were to tell about Sousa’s life and the story behind the song.

Lia was with her family on April 20 in Durham to receive the state award, her mother, Andrea, said.

"This essay contest has been an incredible experience for Lia. My daughter aspires to be a writer when she grows up," Andrea Martinonis said. "This opportunity has given her the confidence to pursue that dream. Lia researched the essay subject, learned about American history, honed her writing skills, and read her speech to a large audience at the initial award ceremony. 

"As an educator, I couldn't be more pleased that DAR sponsors this contest, encouraging students to write essays and learn about our nation's past. As a parent, I am thrilled that my daughter chooses to spend her free time reading and writing and that her interests and skills are being recognized."

More: North Henderson student one of four grand prize winners in national essay contest

Lia said her teacher, April Summey, assigned the essay contest to her class.

"I remember being frustrated when drafting my essay, but now I am so glad my hard work paid off. I still cannot believe this is all happening," Lia Martinonis said.  

This part of her essay describes Sousa talking about composing his new march:

"...Sousa said that he composed the song in his head on his return to America as he grieved the death of his beloved band manager, David Blakely. Sousa said, “In a kind of dreamy way, I used to think over old days at Washington when I was leader of the Marine Band…when we played at all public functions, and I could see the Stars and Stripes flying from the flagstaff.” He also stated, “And that flag of ours became glorified… And to my imagination it seemed to be the biggest, grandest flag in the world, and I could not get back under it quick enough.”

More: Apple Valley Middle student one of four grand prize winners in national contest

Summey called Lia a phenomenal, gifted student who "always goes above and beyond."

"She thrives on a challenge and is an avid learner. Her contagious curiosity shines brightly as she lights up upon acquiring new knowledge," Summey said. "Every year, my fifth grade students work on the DAR essay. They are given a prompt and required to read multiple primary and secondary sources about the topic in order to prepare. I am very passionate about the contest, because it helps students learn history and get excited about it." 

Dean Hensley is the news editor for the Hendersonville Times-News. Email him with tips, questions and comments at [email protected]. Please help support this kind of local journalism with a subscription to the Hendersonville Times-News.

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DAR announces American History Essay Contest

Students enrolled in fifth through eighth grades are invited to enter the 2023-2024 American History Essay Contest sponsored by the Barrington-based Signal Hill Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR). The contest reflects the organization's values of historic preservation, education, and patriotism by inviting students to think and write creatively about historic U.S. events, specifically those related to the American Revolution.

This year's essay topic is as follows:

On May 14, 1897, John Phillip Sousa played his new march, "The Stars and Stripes Forever." This song would become the national march of the United States on Dec. 11, 1987. Imagine it is 1897, and you are a newspaper reporter for The Philadelphia Times. Your newspaper editor has asked you to write an article about the song being performed that day. Your article needs to tell us about Sousa's life and the story behind the song. It is the first performance of the song, so make sure your article includes your thoughts about the music and how the audience reacts to what is seen and heard that day.

Depending on the student's age group, essays may be 300 to 1,000 words. All grade five, six, seven and eight students in a public, private or parochial school, or those who are home schooled, are eligible to participate. One essay at each grade level will be selected as the Signal Hill Chapter winner. All winners will be recognized at a DAR Youth Awards event, hosted by the Signal Hill Chapter in early 2024. Winners will go forward in competition with the potential for a national award. Essays must be submitted by Friday, Nov. 10, 2023.

For information about the essay contest and its requirements, contact Signal Hill Historian Kat Nosal, via email at [email protected].

The Signal Hill Chapter, NSDAR, was chartered 50 years ago in Barrington, in 1972. NSDAR is a volunteer women's service organization headquartered in Washington, D.C.

Due to fund-raising efforts throughout the year, the chapter contributes financially to several 501 (c) (3) organizations whose missions support that of NSDAR.

NSDAR provides more than $1.5 million in scholarships annually. It is the largest group of participants in support of Wreaths Across America. Through its various programs and initiatives, NSDAR strives to increase the awareness of men and women who achieved American independence, including those of diverse backgrounds.

Since its founding in 1890, over one million women have joined both nationally and around the world. Membership in NSDAR is open to any woman, aged 18 and over, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution.

For information about the Barrington-based chapter, visit: signalhilldar.com .

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150 Fascinating Astronomy Research Topics: Explore the Wonders of the Universe

Published 08 Jul 2024

The Significance of Astronomy Research Topics

Astronomy research topics hold a significant place in the academic curriculum due to their profound impact on our understanding of the universe and our place within it. These topics encourage students to explore the vastness of space, the intricacies of celestial bodies, and the astronomical objects and events that shape our cosmos. By studying astronomy, students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they analyze complex data, engage in scientific inquiry, and apply mathematical concepts to real-world scenarios. This field not only nurtures a sense of curiosity and wonder but also equips students with a robust foundation in STEM disciplines, essential for future scientific advancements.

Integrating Astronomy into the Curriculum

Integrating astronomy research topics into the curriculum enhances the educational experience by connecting theoretical knowledge with practical applications. Topics such as the lifecycle of stars, the structure of galaxies, and the search for exoplanets provide students with opportunities to engage in hands-on experiments, use advanced technology like telescopes and computer simulations, and collaborate on research projects. These advancements allow researchers to directly image exoplanets using advanced telescopes and instruments. This experiential learning fosters a deeper understanding of scientific principles and inspires students to pursue careers in astronomy, astrophysics, and related fields. Additionally, discussing contemporary issues such as space exploration, the potential for extraterrestrial life, and the ethical implications of space travel broadens students’ perspectives and encourages them to think critically about the future of humanity.

The Broader Impact of Astronomy Education

The broader impact of incorporating astronomy into the academic curriculum extends beyond the classroom. It promotes scientific literacy, enabling students to make informed decisions about space-related policies and innovations. Furthermore, studying astronomy fosters a global perspective, as students learn about international collaborations in space research and the universal nature of scientific inquiry. Gravitational lensing, for example, acts as a natural telescope, magnifying distant galaxies and revealing objects otherwise too faint to see. By cultivating an appreciation for the wonders of the universe, astronomy education also encourages environmental stewardship and a sense of responsibility toward our planet. Ultimately, including astronomy research topics in the curriculum prepares students to contribute to the scientific community and address some of the most pressing challenges of our time.

How to Select an Astronomy Research Topic

Choosing an engaging astronomy research topic can be both exciting and challenging. Researching the nature of dense matter, such as that found in neutron stars and pulsars, can be particularly intriguing. To ensure your topic is both interesting and manageable, consider your personal interests and the scope of your research. Start by reflecting on specific areas of astronomy that fascinate you, such as black holes, planetary science, or cosmic phenomena. Personal interest in a topic will drive your motivation and curiosity throughout the research process. Additionally, ensure the topic you choose has a well-defined scope that allows for thorough exploration without becoming overwhelming. A focused topic will enable you to delve deeply into the subject matter and provide a comprehensive analysis.

Practical Tips for Topic Selection

Here are some practical tips to guide you in selecting the perfect astronomy research topic:

• Identify Your Interests: Choose a topic that genuinely excites you. Whether it's the mysteries of dark matter or the search for exoplanets, your passion will sustain your research efforts.
• Evaluate Available Resources: Ensure there are ample resources available on your chosen topic. Look for scientific journals, books, and online databases that provide reliable and up-to-date information.
• Consult with Instructors and Peers: Seek advice from your teachers or classmates. They can offer valuable insights and suggest topics that align with your academic goals and interests.
• Consider Current Trends: Explore recent developments in the field of astronomy. Topics like the latest discoveries from space missions or advancements in telescope technology can provide fresh and relevant material for your research.
• Assess the Scope and Feasibility: Make sure your topic is neither too broad nor too narrow. A well-defined topic will allow you to conduct a thorough investigation and produce a detailed analysis.
• Incorporate Interdisciplinary Approaches: Consider how astronomy intersects with other fields such as physics, chemistry, and computer science. This approach can provide a richer context for your research and highlight the interconnected nature of scientific inquiry.

By following these tips, you can select an astronomy research topic that is captivating and feasible, setting the stage for a successful and rewarding research experience.

150 Astronomy topics for all cases

Solar system.

• Formation and evolution of the solar system
• The structure and composition of the Sun
• The impact of solar wind on planetary atmospheres
• Comparative analysis of terrestrial planets
• The geological features of Mars
• The moons of Jupiter: A study of Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto
• Saturn’s rings: Composition and dynamics
• The dwarf planets: Pluto, Eris, and beyond
• The Kuiper Belt and its significance
• The asteroid belt: Origins and composition
• The atmospheres of Venus and Mars compared to Earth
• The role of comets in the solar system
• The potential for life on Europa
• The impact of meteorites on planetary surfaces
• The study of Martian weather patterns
• The exploration of the outer planets: Uranus and Neptune
• The history and future of manned missions to the Moon
• The potential for colonization of Mars
• The influence of Jupiter’s gravity on the solar system
• The heliosphere and its boundary with interstellar space
• The Milky Way: Understanding our galaxy and its components

Stars, Stellar Evolution, and Supermassive Black Holes

• The lifecycle of a star: From nebula to white dwarf
• The process of nuclear fusion in stars
• The significance of the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram
• The different types of variable stars
• The formation and evolution of binary star systems
• The role of supernovae in the universe
• The properties and behavior of neutron stars
• The study of pulsars and their signals
• The formation and characteristics of black holes
• The concept of stellar nucleosynthesis
• The impact of stellar winds on the interstellar medium
• The formation of star clusters
• The role of dark matter in star formation
• The detection and study of exoplanets around distant stars
• The significance of the main sequence in stellar evolution
• The differences between Population I and Population II stars
• The effects of stellar mass on a star’s lifecycle
• The importance of metallicity in star formation
• The study of globular clusters
• The role of gravitational waves in studying stellar remnants
• The discovery of mini-Neptunes around red dwarfs and the study of planets with enough water to harbor life using white dwarfs

Galaxies and the Universe

• The structure and classification of galaxies
• The formation and evolution of galaxies
• The role of dark matter in galaxy formation
• The study of galactic collisions and mergers
• The properties and behavior of active galactic nuclei
• The significance of quasars in understanding the early universe
• The distribution and role of dark energy in the universe
• The study of cosmic microwave background radiation
• The formation and evolution of galaxy clusters
• The concept of large-scale structure in the universe
• The study of cosmic voids and filaments
• The impact of supermassive black holes on galaxy evolution
• The role of star formation in shaping galaxies
• The study of dwarf galaxies and their significance
• The properties and behavior of spiral galaxies
• The characteristics of elliptical galaxies
• The significance of the Hubble Deep Field images
• The study of galaxy rotation curves
• The concept of the expanding universe and the Hubble constant
• The potential for multiverse theories

Cosmology, Astrophysics, and Dark Energy

• The Big Bang theory and the origin of the universe
• The concept of cosmic inflation
• The study of primordial nucleosynthesis
• The role of cosmic strings in the early universe
• The properties and behavior of black holes
• The significance of gravitational waves in cosmology
• The study of the cosmic horizon
• The concept of dark matter and dark energy
• The search for the universe's missing baryons
• The role of quantum mechanics in cosmology
• The study of the universe's shape and geometry
• The significance of the cosmological constant
• The concept of the Great Attractor and cosmic flow
• The impact of supernovae on cosmic distance measurement
• The study of the intergalactic medium
• The properties and behavior of cosmic rays
• The concept of entropy and the universe's fate
• The study of cosmic anisotropy
• The role of magnetic fields in the universe
• The impact of galaxy clusters on cosmic evolution

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Astrobiology and Extraterrestrial Life

• The search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI)
• The potential for life on Mars
• The study of extremophiles on Earth and their implications for life elsewhere
• The possibility of life in the subsurface oceans of Europa and Enceladus
• The role of exoplanet atmospheres in the search for life
• The study of biosignatures and their detection
• The concept of habitable zones around stars
• The impact of stellar radiation on planetary habitability
• The potential for life in the clouds of Venus
• The study of ancient microbial life on Earth and its implications
• The role of amino acids and nucleotides in the origin of life
• The search for techno-signatures from advanced civilizations
• The study of interstellar objects and their potential as carriers of life
• The impact of panspermia theory on the origin of life
• The role of organic molecules in space in the formation of life
• The study of protoplanetary disks and planet formation
• The significance of the Drake Equation in estimating extraterrestrial life
• The study of exomoons and their potential habitability
• The impact of space exploration missions on astrobiology research
• The role of planetary protection protocols in space missions

Space Exploration and Technology

• The history and future of space telescopes
• The impact of space probes on our understanding of the solar system
• The role of the International Space Station in scientific research
• The future of human spaceflight and colonization
• The development and significance of reusable rocket technology
• The study of space weather and its impact on Earth
• The role of artificial intelligence in space exploration
• The impact of space tourism on the aerospace industry
• The study of microgravity and its effects on the human body
• The development of propulsion systems for interstellar travel
• The role of international cooperation in space exploration
• The impact of space debris and strategies for mitigation
• The study of asteroid mining and its potential benefits
• The development of habitats for long-duration space missions
• The role of satellite technology in Earth observation
• The impact of the commercialization of space
• The study of lunar exploration and the potential for a Moon base
• The development of Mars rovers and their scientific contributions
• The role of space law and policy in regulating space activities
• The impact of space exploration on scientific innovation and discovery

Final thoughts

Astronomy offers a vast and fascinating array of topics for research, from the intricate details of our own solar system to the grand scale of the universe. By exploring these diverse subjects, students and researchers can deepen their understanding of the cosmos, uncover new scientific insights, and contribute to our collective knowledge of space. Whether you are interested in planetary science, stellar evolution, galactic dynamics, or the search for extraterrestrial life, there is an astronomy topic that will captivate your curiosity and inspire rigorous investigation.

Ready to dive into the wonders of the universe? Choose one of these captivating astronomy research topics and embark on your journey of discovery today. Whether you are a student, educator, or enthusiast, let your exploration of the cosmos begin now. Share your findings, spark discussions, and contribute to the ever-expanding field of astronomical research. The universe awaits your curiosity and dedication!

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Written by Stella Gary

Stella Gary is a talented writer specializing in creating comprehensive guides on various academic tasks, including literature reviews, lab reports, and thesis writing. With a sharp analytical mind and a deep understanding of academic standards, Stella offers invaluable advice and techniques to help students achieve their academic goals. Outside of her professional work, Stella is passionate about sustainable living and often explores innovative ways to promote eco-friendly practices.

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Most Americans who vow to leave over an election never do. Will this year be different?

Deirdre Roney wanted an escape plan – a place to go if her darkest fears about America’s democracy came to pass.

The Los Angeles attorney and activist for immigrant and voting rights has worried about a rise of authoritarianism ever since Donald Trump won the presidency in 2016. As this fall’s election drew closer, that anxiety only grew.

Trump has vowed “ retribution” if he wins and a “ bloodbath ” if he loses. Though she says she’s not a high-profile activist, Roney fears political persecution could become a reality. “I would challenge you to find somebody who's as depressed and dark and scared as I am,” she said.

So, this summer, she secured her escape hatch. She and her husband obtained dual citizenship in the Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda in exchange for a development fund investment of about $100,000, she said – a barrier-free overseas refuge to use if she feels unsafe.

“I wanted us to have a place to go,” she said. “I wanted a Plan B.”

The idea of moving to another country to protest a presidential administration or political policy isn’t new – think the Vietnam War or even vows to move following the re-election of President George W. Bush. Even Trump once joked he might leave if Biden was elected. 

Typically, relatively few who vow to leave actually make the move, said Amanda Klekowski von Koppenfels, a University of Kent migration scholar and expert on Americans abroad .

But this year, as voter anxiety hits the red zone ahead of a divisive election contest between Trump and President Joe Biden, there are signs that Americans from a cross-section of society are taking a more serious look at the exits.

Want to leave the US? Here's how to move to Canada, Mexico and Europe as an American.

The percentage of U.S. citizens who would settle abroad if they were able reached 34% in a March 26 poll by Monmouth University, up from 12% since 1995. Monmouth polling officials said they believe the political rancor of recent years likely helped fuel the rise.

For some current and former members of U.S. law enforcement and intelligence community, threats to jail political opponents are driving them to weigh whether they may have to leave to avoid being illegally detained, according to a former FBI director.

A recent survey by the publisher International Living found that 65% of more than 2,700 readers said that concerns about the political climate prompted them to accelerate plans to relocate overseas.

Henley & Partners, a large global residence and citizenship advisory firm, reported this year that wealthy Americans are pursuing backup citizenship or residence abroad at record levels. Motivations for its clients include political risk along with tax or business reasons.

Several other firms that help Americans live or work abroad told USA TODAY that political uncertainty is driving a spike not just in inquiries and but in concrete efforts to secure visas, homes, dual citizenship or foreign work permits – whether to move or to set up a contingency plan. 

David Lesperance, a Canadian tax and immigration advisor whose firm helps people secure dual citizenships or residency abroad, said most of his U.S. clients now cite concerns including political polarization and deadlock, antisemitism, gun violence, threats to LGBTQ rights, fear of rule by “the other party” and retribution by a Trump administration. 

And for some, such moves are also easier in the era of remote work.

“What’s different today is people are acting on it,” Lesperance said, adding that the Supreme Court ruling relating to presidential immunity has further ratcheted up concerns. “They sense the danger is real.”

Whether significant numbers of Americans actually pull up stakes is far from certain. Moving abroad brings the challenges of obtaining a visa and leaving behind family obligations. And some view such sentiments as an overreaction at home when other countries also face new political turmoil.

But it’s an idea that is a growing topic of conversation, especially after a presidential debate that raised new questions about Biden’s suitability and Trump’s repeated falsehoods . Even before that, some said, the urge to escape has spurred calls for advice to friends living overseas.

Justin Knepper, 48, moved from California to Portugal in 2020. Now, he said, “I would say at least 50% of our friends are considering moving” with politics at least a factor for most.

Retirement: More Americans retire abroad. What happens when crisis hits?

Moving to South Africa: ‘We’ve got to get out of here’ 

Ted Baumann’s move last year came after he grew alienated from both political parties.

The 63-year-old worked in nonprofit housing and financial publishing while living in Decatur, Georgia, near Atlanta, with his wife, a pre-Kindergarten teacher, and their daughter.

He watched with concern as reactionary politics gathered steam amid President Barack Obama’s tenure.  He was stunned when Senate Republicans violated a norm by blocking Obama from filling a Supreme Court seat. He said it seemed like “Third-World style politics.”

He worried about how easily some could rationalize such moves. Then Trump won. All around him, he thought political debate had become increasingly vitriolic. 

“I remember waking up the next week and thinking, ‘We’ve got to get out of here,’” he said.

It wouldn’t be a difficult move. Baumann’s wife is originally from South Africa. And he’d previously lived for a time and already had dual citizenship.

But they were settled into their own Georgia community. They both had good jobs and their daughter was headed to high school. And then the pandemic hit. 

While voters had narrowly elected Biden in 2020, it rattled him that nearly half of America supported Trump’s ideas including stolen-election conspiracies that fueled the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

But Baumann – who said he doesn’t identify with either party but leans left – wasn’t thrilled with Democrats either.   

He thought liberals were overly focused on “identity politics, gender, race and sexual orientation – which are all important,” he said, and gave too little attention to pressing economic and other issues.

Over time, he lost faith that elected bodies could tackle everyday issues.

“It doesn't really matter which side you're from. It’s the inability to govern and to legislate and to address issues,” he said. “Because eventually, these unsolved issues are going to come back to bite you. You're going to run out of Social Security, you're going run out of healthcare for the elderly.”

By 2022, he and his wife decided, “This is not where we want to raise our daughter, this is not where we want to be,” he said, putting plans in motion to move to South Africa. 

There were economic considerations involved in their move, too: The cost of living, as well as health care, would be lower. Last year, they left behind their life in the Atlanta area for Cape Town. His daughter entered high school there and “couldn’t be happier,” he said. Baumann now works remotely.

To be sure, South Africa has its share of political struggles and problems, he said. But it felt like a place moving in a positive direction. America, by contrast, seemed to be moving backward.

Moving to Spain: Complicated reasons for going abroad 

Marsha Scarbrough arrived in Spain in early 2017.

Not long before that, she had given an interview to a Spanish reporter back home in the U.S., and found herself on the front page of a Spanish newspaper – dubbed “La Primera Exiliada,” the first exile, following Trump’s election.

Though she opposed Trump, Scarbrough moved at age 70 for a mix of reasons including affordable retirement, less expensive health care and a desire to live abroad, she said. She also wanted to be away from gun violence and other problems in the U.S., she said.

That’s true for most U.S. residents who migrate overseas for multiple reasons such as jobs, spouses or to study, said Klekowski von Koppenfels, the University of Kent expert. But she said politics can play into it. 

“Back when George Bush's handling of the Iraq War was a big political issue in the United States, I spoke with a number of people who had always meant to move to Europe and had always thought of studying in Europe. And then, as the Iraq War rolled around, they were increasingly unhappy with the politics around that. They thought, OK, now's the time for me to go ahead and move,’” she said.

A similar dynamic is in play for some currently considering a move.

Marco Permunian, founder of Italian Citizenship Assistance, has seen inquiries triple this year reaching as many as 250 a day, most U.S. residents looking to relocate, get dual citizenship based on lineage or obtain visas to work, study or retire in Italy or elsewhere in Europe.

He said a “general feeling of instability throughout the country, both politically and socially” is what’s driving many of his clients to seek to move to Europe now.  A minority of them are ready to go immediately, he said, while others “want to have the option to relocate if they have to.”

In France, Adrian Leeds, whose company helps Americans find real estate, said her business has doubled each year since the pandemic. While some Americans are worried about far-right gains in France , she said that pales to clients citing the “fear of Donald Trump and the disaster in the U.S. when it comes to healthcare, gun control, women's rights, etc.,” she said. 

Jennifer Stevens, editor at the move-abroad publication International Living, which conducted the survey showing rising political concerns among readers, has seen it too. 

“People who already had an idea in the back of their minds that they might like to go abroad sometime,” she said, “They're crafting a Plan B because they feel like they just might need it if things go sideways in November and beyond.”

More: Feeling strange about celebrating July 4th amid Biden-Trump chaos? You’re not alone.

But will they adopt Plan B? Klekowski von Koppenfels said a survey she helped to commission didn’t show a significant increase in emigration aspirations between 2014 and 2019 despite an increase in public statements about it.

Gallup found that during the start of the Trump Administration in 2017 and 2018, a record 16% of Americans said they would like to permanently move to another country if they could. That was higher than the average levels during the Bush (11%) or Obama administration (10%). 

Gallup said that while it didn’t ask respondents about political leanings, the surge in Americans' desire to migrate in those years came among groups that typically leaned Democratic and had disapproved of Trump: women, young Americans and people in lower-income groups.  

The percentage of respondents in later Gallup polls who said they'dthey’ve like to move abroad permanently dipped to 13% in 2020 and rose to 17% in 2023, according to data provided by Gallup.

In March of 2024, the Monmouth poll found that of the 34% who said they would settle in another country if free to do so. It asked about political leanings of those who said they would leave: 41% of independents, 35% of Democrats and 22% of Republicans.

If wanting or vowing to leave is most often a political statement, it’s also a source of political fodder.

When Barbara Streisand said she would leave the country if Trump won, the conservative outlet BlazeTV declared that, “For the second time in recent history, the trash is promising to take itself out.” In 2020, one Ohio sheriff mocked celebrities who said they’d leave four years ago but didn't by offering a one-way ticket out of the country . 

And some who want to leave get criticism for leaving the U.S. instead of fighting for change. 

After Scarborough moved to Spain, a man from another European country told her, “ ‘Well, you're just an opportunist. You’re taking advantage of other countries where people have done the work.” But she’d spent years advocating for causes back home, she said. 

“I'm choosing to spend my final years having fun in a place that has solved many of these problems and created a better quality of life,” she said. “At my age, I’ve done everything I can do. Do I need to keep fighting?”

Moving to Europe: Surprising, similar political issues 

Lauren Ell, 36, said people often underestimate the costs and challenges of moving. 

Ell, a Trump-supporting Republican Southern California native who moved to Sweden in 2016 to be with her partner, founded an online group called Nordic Republicans to connect conservatives, who she said are difficult to find in an area where Democrats tend to dominate expat forums.

“When I hear people say, ‘I'm gonna move out of the country, because of the politics there.’ I think it's a bit silly, because it's really difficult if you just want to get up and move,” she said.

Some countries have strict residency policies for immigrants. And obtaining visas, work permits and citizenship often takes time and is costly. 

“And then there’s the politics,” Ell said, noting that Sweden, despite its liberal reputation, didn’t close businesses or mandate certain health measure during COVID, in contrast to U.S. policies she opposed.  “They might be surprised that there's actually similar right-leaning politics in many European countries.”

Indeed, support for right-leaning politicians has been rising in some European countries. In France, a far-right party made historic gains in the first round of hastily called legislative elections, raising the specter of the far-right coming into power for the first time since Nazi occupation in World War II.  In early July, the Netherlands installed a new right-wing government, Reuters reported . 

Alessandra Bloom, 33, who moved from Boston where she worked in restaurant management to Rovigo, Italy in 2021 to seek dual citizenship based on lineage, now works for Italian Citizenship Assistance – and understands why some Americans back home are looking abroad.

“It feels heavy in America. The divide is so strong,” she said. But living in Italy has also shown her that “there are problems everywhere in the world, and no matter where you go, everyone has political troubles.” She added, “I mean, they have just as much conservative politics and immigrant policy that they're debating.”

David Morse, 72,  who once worked as a staffer to Congressional Republicans, said he left the U.S. because of Trump. He moved in 2019 to Norway, where his wife was born.  But he’s found it harder than expected to leave Trump’s political noise behind: “It’s hard to avoid Donald Trump.”

On TV,  he said, is regular coverage chronicling Trump news. He’s everywhere on the internet.  And Morse still reads U.S. political news often.

“And I guess that's partly my fault, too, because I suppose I could just not read stuff and turn it off, but I don’t,” he said. Trump, he said, “sort of buries himself into your brain.”

He still plans to vote from abroad, a desire that has helped grow the group Democrats Abroad, an official group with state-level recognition by the Democratic National Committee, whose membership has tripled since 2015, according to a spokeswoman who declined to provide an exact figure. 

But Morse is happy living abroad. In part because he doesn’t see things changing anytime soon. While people moved to Canada to protest the Vietnam War, he said, “it wasn't systematic or fundamental to the American system.” This time, he said, it feels different.

He siad he worries about more more violent and more widespread version of Jan. 6 if Trump loses, and the democracy’s guardrailing failing to hold up. 

“There's nothing that says that American democracy is permanent and immutable,” he said. “And I fear it's coming apart.”

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