Copyright is not only important for the history of america but the present and future. Copy right is great for progressing science and arts. America wouldn't be as we know it today. The reason copyright is so great for progressing science and art is because it requires people to make new and innovative ideas. For example if John has an idea and he patents that idea. Mike can't take his idea and make money off of it therefore Mike will have to come up with a new idea. Which will naturally lead to the innovation of science and arts.