American Culture Unit 4.9 Review

Cultural Nationalism

• The development of a unique American cultural identity was influenced by various factors, including historical events, literature, and education. This identity showcased the distinct values and characteristics that distinguished Americans from Europeans.

Education

• Education played a crucial role in shaping a virtuous citizenry. It was not only about imparting knowledge but also fostering moral and ethical principles in individuals. Noah Webster was a pivotal figure in this movement, advocating for Americanized education and linguistic standards.

• His significant contributions include:

• The American Spelling Book: This work, widely used in schools, helped establish standard pronunciation and grammar for the English language in the United States, moving away from British English influences.

• An American Dictionary of the English Language (1828): This dictionary provided clear definitions and usage guidelines, reinforcing the development of a unique American vernacular and promoting literacy among the populace.

American Literature and Transcendentalism

• Key works from this period contributed to the burgeoning American literary identity:

• Washington Irving: His stories, such as Rip Van Winkle (1819) and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (1820), were among the first to gain international recognition, establishing a distinctly American folklore. These narratives often highlighted themes of individualism and the American landscape.

Transcendentalism

• The philosophy of Transcendentalism was significantly influenced by European Romanticism, emphasizing the need for liberation from traditional societal constraints and conventionally accepted truth. It encouraged deep reflection on the individual's connection to nature and spirit.

Transcendentalist Thinking

• This movement emphasized intuitive moral truths over empirical evidence, suggesting that truth could be understood through personal experience and insight.

• Key Beliefs:

• The inherent benevolence of God and nature, promoting a positive worldview.

• The divinity of man, asserting that every individual has a unique purpose and a voice that should be heard, leading to a rejection of organized authority that stifles individual insight.

Notable Transcendentalist Figures

• Ralph Waldo Emerson: As a prolific writer and philosopher, he advocated for self-reliance and individualism. His essays inspired a generation to embrace personal freedom and a connection to nature.

• Henry David Thoreau: His works, such as Nature (1832) and Walden (1854), reflect a deep appreciation for the natural world, urging readers to live simply and authentically. In Resistance to Civil Disobedience (1849), he argued for individuals' moral responsibility to resist unjust laws.

Thoreau's Civil Disobedience

• Thoreau championed the idea that just men have a moral obligation to resist unjust governance, laying the groundwork for future civil rights movements. He believed that true justice could only be achieved through individual action and moral clarity.

The Transcendentalist Agenda

• Transcendentalists aimed to address critical societal issues with an agenda focused on:

• The abolition of slavery, recognizing the profound moral crisis it represented.

• Alleviating poverty through social reforms and community support.

• Providing education for the ignorant, advocating access to learning for all.

• Ensuring health and wellbeing for the sick through social and political advocacy.

Criticism of Transcendentalism

• Critics of the movement, such as Edgar Allan Poe and Nathaniel Hawthorne, expressed skepticism and pessimism about idealism, arguing that such utopian visions often overlooked the complexities and darker aspects of human nature.

American Art Movements

• Early American Art primarily focused on portraits and historical themes, reflecting the struggles, successes, and aspirations of the nation.

• Notable Schools included:

• Hudson River School: A group of painters who celebrated the beauty of American landscapes, emphasizing nature's grandeur and the spiritual connection between humans and their environment.

Examples of American Art

• Asher B. Durand: Notable works include:

• The Beeches (1845), a depiction of the beauty of American woodlands.

• In the Woods (1855), highlighting the serenity of nature.

• Thomas Cole is renowned for his series Course of Empire, which explores themes of civilization's rise and decline, encouraging reflections on progress and morality.

Architecture During the Era

• The architecture from this period reflects Neoclassical influences, symbolizing the aspirations and values of the young nation.

• Key structures include:

• The US Capitol: A symbol of democracy and governance.

• The White House: The official residence of the President, representing leadership and authority.

• The Supreme Court: A foundational institution for justice and law in America.

• Prominent architectural styles included:

• Federal Style: Characterized by symmetry and classic details.

• Plantation Style: Reflective of the Southern cultural heritage and agrarian lifestyle.

• Distinctive log cabins: Originating from Scandinavian designs, they represented the frontier spirit and American pioneering.

Revivalism and Reform Movements

• The Second Great Awakening intertwined religion and social reform, emphasizing equality, moral uplifting, and collective improvement within society, motivating numerous movements aimed at social justice.

Key Social Reforms

• The Temperance movement sought to reduce alcohol consumption as a means to improve public morality and health.

• Educational reforms, led by figures like Horace Mann, focused on creating free public schooling systems and providing proper training for teachers to improve education quality.

• The Women’s Rights movement aimed at reevaluating societal roles and establishing legal rights for women, culminating in significant milestones in their fight for equality.

Abolitionist Movement

• Key figures in the movement included:

• William Lloyd Garrison: An early advocate for immediate emancipation without compensation, he played a critical role in rallying public opinion against slavery.

• Frederick Douglass: As an autobiographer and powerful public speaker, he provided firsthand accounts of slavery's horrors and advocated for equal rights.

• Sojourner Truth: A former enslaved woman who used her life story and oratory skills to promote abolition and women’s rights.

• The Underground Railroad served as a clandestine network facilitating escapes for enslaved individuals, showcasing the bravery of many who risked their lives for freedom.

Summary

• Post-colonial America underwent an evolution, shaping a distinct cultural identity through literature, art, and reform movements. These developments played a critical role in addressing social injustices, redefining educational standards, and advocating for civil rights, thereby laying the foundation for future generations to build upon.