National identity is more deeply rooted in the common goals and ideals of the people.
A national identity came to exist in the hearts and souls of the men and women who had emigrated from Europe to reside in the New World. That national identity was one of a desire for independence from European dominance and dependence on their own abilities to survive in the New World. The desire for self-government was encouraged by the various acts of the Parliament of Great Britain which aimed at stifling the growth of America's mercantile system. Even those individuals who were not directly involved in the merchant and trading industry were affected by the restrictive measures levied by the British Parliament. And so, without any conscious effort, the American national identity formed and matured.