3.11: Fabric of a Nation

Module 3.11: Fabric of a Nation

Developing an American Identity
Authors: Jason Stacy, Matthew Ellington
For the AP® U.S. History Course
Note: AP® is a trademark registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, this product.

Developing a Distinct American Culture

  • Key Figure: Noah Webster
      - Advocated for American independence in literature paralleling political independence.
      - Quoted: “America must be as independent in literature as in Politics, as famous for arts as for arms.”
      - Contributions:
        - American Spelling Book (1810)
        - American Dictionary of the English Language (1828)

  • Public Education Push:
      - Notable support from various state and national leaders for public education initiatives.
      - Massachusetts became the first state to mandate that each town provide free schooling for local children.

Educational Literature and Cultural Values

  • Following Webster's influence in 1810, mathematics instructors emerged with educational materials aimed at young students.
      - Example: Marmaduke Multiply's Merry Method of Making Minor Mathematics (circa 1815)
        - This book utilizes rhymes and engaging illustrations to teach multiplication tables.

  • Cultural Implication:
      - The production of such educational books signifies the high value placed on public schooling in early 1800s America.

Artistic Influences in American Culture

  • Artistic representations focused on Enlightenment perspectives, revolutionary generals, and national symbols.

  • Notable Artists:
      - Charles Willson Peale:
        - Renowned for his paintings of George Washington.
      - Gilbert Stuart:
        - His portrait of Washington became the model for the image used on the $1 bill.

Racial Limits of American Culture

  • Cultural Appropriation by White Americans:
      - Frequently, native names and symbols were utilized to construct a distinct national identity.
      - Legacy evident into the 21st century with examples such as
        - Washington Redskins
        - Cleveland Indians
        - Atlanta Braves
        - William and Mary Indians

  • Civility Efforts:
      - There were ongoing efforts by Americans to "civilize" indigenous people and incorporate them into the national identity.

Development of the New Capital

  • Location:
      - The new capital was strategically located between Virginia and Maryland, on the Maryland side of the Potomac River.

  • Labor Framework:
      - The government engaged hundreds of enslaved individuals, compensating slaveholders at the rate of $5/month per individual for their labor.
      - Free Black individuals and Irish immigrants were also involved in the labor force, though they were underpaid and faced restricted access to amenities.

Architectural Developments

  • Notable Structures and Contributors:
      - The Executive Mansion was designed by Irish-born architect James Hoban.
      - Pierre Charles L’Enfant, a French engineer, created the layout for the city's streets.
      - The Capitol building design was attributed to West Indian architect William Thornton.
      - The construction of the Capitol building was overseen by Englishman Benjamin Latrobe.

Visual Representations

  • Artwork Example:
      - A watercolor by William Russell Birch displays the Capitol in Washington, D.C., dated 1800.
      - Birch immigrated from England in 1794, and his painting suggests that neither the Capitol nor the city were vibrant centers of republican achievements at that time.

  • Comparative Analysis Invitation:
      - Students are encouraged to compare this image to that of Federal Hall (Module 3.10, p. 216) to identify similarities and differences in architecture and symbolism, discussing the underlying reasons for these observations.