CH5 - American Identity (1) : Initial European settlements + Ego culture

Please take note, that given the fact we only have limited hours together, we cannot cover the pre-Columbian era and Native American History , they were the first Americans !!

Is America a nation of immigrants ?

Yes. Today, most immigrants in the US come from Latin America, or Asia.

Actually, 40% come from Latin America, 40% come from Asia, and 20% comes from the rest of the world.

CCL : From many different (nations), we are one = salad bowl !

1600s

Slavery was introduced in the US by the Dutch (Jamestown) in the 1600s (1619)

Where the first Americans came from ? How ?

The first Americans came from Asia and crossed the Bering Strait (North America) about 50,000 years ago.

20,000 years ago, they went from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego (South America) because they were running out of food in Asia and needed to eat.

What were the first populations on the North American soil ?

1960 ? Nowadays ?

There were about 30 million indigenous people on the American continent. However, most of them were decimated by disease, famine, war, and forced labour.
=> caused a collective depression (collective collapse of population).

In the 1960s, there was an identity revival because historians started to talk about what happened. Americans started to invest their time trying to revive this heritage, teaching about Native culture, museums exhibited Native American culture, etc.

Today : Native Americans account for 1.5% of American population => They are one of the smallest and the poorest minority groups.

What are the Civil War Amendments ?

Civil War (1861-1865) : A war between people of the same country. (Northern states >< Southern states)

=> the end of the war = the end of slavery by the Civil War Amendments

=> Civil War Amendments 13-14-15

- Amendments 13 : bans slavery
- Amendments 14 : gives former slaves american citizenship
- Amendments 15 : gives them the right to vote => Bill of rights

A review of the nations exploring the continent :

Early 1600s : several nations were exploring the North American continent

- British : East coast

- Spanish : the South

- French : the Northeast and up and down the Mississippi River (both sides)

- Dutch : the Northeast (the first to bring slaves — Jamestown)

A review of the first permanent French settlements : la Nouvelle France

In 1608, the French settled in Canada. In 1673, they claimed territory along the Mississippi River and called it Louisiana after King Louis. In 1718, they founded New Orleans.

These French colonies were very slow in developing compared to the British population: there were 80,000 people in New France vs. 1,500,000 in British colonies.

The French were not really interested in staying there, but we know they were there because there still are several thousands of French names for forts and trading posts, mostly along the states on both sides of the Mississippi.

=> pas connaitre les dates (juste le contexte)

A review of the first permanent Spanish settlements: New Spain

Most Spanish settlements are located in the Southwest of present-day US and Florida. The regions are still the most densely populated by Hispanics today because of proximity of borders with Mexico and Cuba.

American territorial expansion : How are the Americans going to expand their land ?

The American territory expanded during the 1700s and the 1800s.

The nation purchases :
- Louisiana (1803)
- Florida
- Arizona
- New Mexico
- Alaska.

(LO-FLOR-ARIZ-NEW-ALSK)

They also expanded through wars :
- Texas
- California
- Nevada
- Utah
- Colorado

(TEX-CAL-NEV-UT-COLO)

By the late 1800s, the US will cover east coast to west coast.

Why is Ego Culture important in understanding U.S. culture?

Ego Culture is important in understanding U.S. culture because it reflects individualism, a key part of American identity.

• Americans value : personal freedom, independence, and achieving their own goals over group priorities.

How does Ego Culture shape behavior in the U.S.?

Ego Culture shapes behavior in the U.S. by emphasizing individualism :

• Personal success is a priority, with a focus on achieving goals like career growth and wealth.

• Self-expression is highly valued, encouraging people to showcase their uniqueness and authenticity.

How does Ego Culture contrast with other cultural systems?

Ego Culture vs. Collectivist Cultures:

• Ego Culture (U.S.): Values individual freedom and independence. Example: People choose careers based on personal goals.

• Collectivist Cultures (Japan, India): Focus on group harmony and shared responsibilities. Example: Career choices are influenced by family or community.

Why is Ego Culture sometimes criticized in the U.S.?

Ego Culture is criticized in the U.S. because:

• It can create a focus on materialism (buy too much) and self-image (care too much of their apparence).

• It may weaken community values by prioritizing self-interest over collective responsibility.

• Example: Success is often measured by personal wealth, not societal benefit (seen as having money, not helping others)

How does Ego Culture connect to American values like freedom?

Ego Culture connects to freedom by focusing on making your own choices and living independently.

• It matches the American Dream, where people work to create their own success and identity.