Final answer:
The Hudson River School artists indeed considered nature as an expression of national American identity, as they depicted the American landscape with grandeur and romanticized elements to distinguish the nation's unique character during the 19th century.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that Hudson River School artists saw nature as an expression of national American identity is true. This art movement, which originated in the 19th century, was America's first true school of painters, focusing on the landscape and wilderness. Artists like Thomas Cole, considered the founder of the Hudson River School, and others like Albert Bierstadt were inspired by the natural landscapes of the American frontier.
They sought not only to capture the beauty of these untouched places but also to express the uniqueness of the American landscape, distinguishing it from European scenery. The grand and often romanticized depictions of nature mirrored national pride and the growing sentiment of American identity during a time of westward expansion and exploration.