3.11 Developing an American Identity

LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Explain the continuities and changes in American culture from 1754 to 1800

INTRODUCTION

• Admiration of the influence of “founding fathers” (leaders who fought and declared independence and created new gov system) became core of American identity.

  • George Washington’s influence is an example of the impact

    - His farewell adress and two-term tradition are still relevant today

  • People still debate on the meaning of founding fathers’ words and ideas

  • America has retained much of their ancestors’ traditions and culture.

    - Evolving identity would be built on the foundation of people and culture from the 13 colonies (formed by thought and experiences), and enlarged by regional differences and additions of immigrants.

SOCIAL CHANGE

• In addition to revolutionzing politics, war for independence also profoundly changed American society

  • Some changes occurred immediately before war ended, other evolved as ideas of revolution filtered into common people.

    - These changes fostered growing awareness of how US was different

ABOLITION OF ARISTOCRATIC TITLES

• State constitutions and laws abolished old institutions from medieval Europe

  • No legislature could grant titles of nobility or regonize feudal primogeniture (first-born son’s right to inherit property)

  • Remaining Aritstocracy in Americas was weaked

    - Gov confiscated large estates owned by loyalist (estates became subdivided and sold to raise money for war)

SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE

• Most states adopted separation of church and states

  • States refused to give financial support to any religious group

    • Anglican Church (episcopal church)

      - formerly had ties with British gov

      - was disestablished in the south

    • Congregational church continued to receive support from 3 New England states in form of religious tax

      - practice was discontinued in New England early 1830s

REGIONAL VARIATIONS

• States did not change at the same time

  • Regional differences from colonial times continued to shape how states evolved

    • Biggest difference was in slavery

      - slavery continued to decline in northern states but stronger than ever in southern states

    • People also acted differently

      - Jefferson said northerns were more serious and perserving in their work, while southerns were more generous and forthright in their speech.

POLITICAL CHANGE

• The development of political parties added to and reflected the American identity

  • Distinction between federalist and democratic-republicans had origins in debate between federalist and anti-federalist (during ratification of constitution)

    - matured from regional differences and views of roles, functions, and powers of federal gov

    - evolution of political parties continue today

CULTURAL CHANGE

• Much of the nation’s culture reflect British origin, but distinctive national identity eventually evolved.

  • American developed in many different ways

    - Change was facilitated through expansion of newspapers (provided communication and political discussion)

    - Charles Brockden Brown explored American identity through novels

    - Charles Wilson Peale opened first art gallery

    - Pierre-Charles L’Enfant developed design for Washington D.C.

    - Gilbert Stuart painted nation’s leaders

    - American Academy of Fine Arts held its first exhibition

    - First dictionary, and book on American geography continued process of creating distinctive culture