4.9+Development+of+an+American+Culture

Topic 4.9 The Development of an American Culture

Introduction to National Culture

• Early American culture reflected British and European influences but evolved into a distinct national culture.

• Increased nationalism accompanied by regional variations.

Cultural Nationalism

• 19th-century Americans' concerns differed from the founders.

• Excitement over westward expansion and detachment from European politics (post-Napoleonic Wars).

• Belief in the nation’s potential for prosperity.

• Influence of Art and Literature:

  • Patriotic themes in art (Gilbert Stuart, Charles Willson Peale, John Trumbull).

  • Noah Webster's speller promoted patriotism in schools.

  • Nationalism and patriotism shaped the 19th century cultural narrative.

Romantic Movement and Transcendentalism

• Shift in Europe from Enlightenment ideals to Romanticism emphasizing feelings and intuition.

• Transcendentalists: Challenged established doctrines and materialism.

  • Key Figures:

    • Ralph Waldo Emerson: Promoted individualism and American culture, criticized slavery.

    • Henry David Thoreau: Tested transcendentalist philosophy through a simple life in nature; author of "Walden" and "On Civil Disobedience."

• Thoreau’s ideas influenced later nonviolent resistance movements.

Communal Experiments in America

• Brook Farm: Founded by George Ripley, sought to merge intellectual and manual labor; ended in 1849 due to financial issues.

• Diverse communal experiments emerged:

  • Shakers: Early religious movement with about 6,000 members, focused on communal living but lacked new recruits.

  • Amana Colonies: German Pietist communal living in Iowa, allowed marriage; prospered but abandoned communal lifestyle.

  • New Harmony: Secular community by Robert Owen aimed to resolve Industrial Revolution issues; failed due to financial disputes.

  • Oneida Community: Founded by John Humphrey Noyes, promoted social/economic equality; controversial practices but economically successful.

  • Fourier Phalanxes: Aimed to share work in a communal setting but quickly faded due to individualistic American culture.

Developments in Arts and Literature

• Painting: Genre painting gained popularity, celebrating American life.

  • Notables include George Caleb Bingham and Thomas Cole of the Hudson River School.

• Architecture: Inspired by classical Athens, adapted Greek styles to symbolize democracy.

• Literature: Rise of distinctly American themes post-War of 1812 through notable writers:

  • Washington Irving: Fictional works like "Rip Van Winkle."

  • James Fenimore Cooper: "Leatherstocking Tales" celebrated frontier life.

  • Nathaniel Hawthorne: Explored themes of intolerance in "The Scarlet Letter."

  • Herman Melville: Addressed cultural conflicts in "Moby-Dick."

  • Edgar Allan Poe: Focused on irrational behavior; known for "The Raven" and "The Tell-Tale Heart."

Topic 4.9 The Development of an American Culture

Introduction to National Culture

• Evolution from British and European influences into a distinct American identity.

• Increased nationalism and regional variations.

Cultural Nationalism

• 19th-century excitement for westward expansion and detachment from European politics.

• Belief in national prosperity; patriotic themes in art and literature (e.g., Noah Webster's work).

Romantic Movement and Transcendentalism

• Shift from Enlightenment to Romanticism, focusing on feelings and individuality.

• Key figures:

  • Ralph Waldo Emerson: Criticized slavery; promoted American culture.

  • Henry David Thoreau: Authored "Walden" and "On Civil Disobedience"; influenced nonviolent resistance.

Communal Experiments in America

• Notable experiments:

  • Brook Farm: Failed due to financial issues.

  • Shakers: Focused on communal living; stagnant membership.

  • Amana Colonies: German communal living; abandoned strict communalism.

  • New Harmony: Secular community; failed financially.

  • Oneida Community: Advocated social equality; controversial but economically successful.

  • Fourier Phalanxes: Brief existence due to individualism.

Developments in Arts and Literature

• Genre painting gained popularity; notable artists include George Caleb Bingham and Thomas Cole.

• Architecture drew from Greek styles to symbolize democracy.

• Literature featured distinctly American themes from authors like:

  • Washington Irving: "Rip Van Winkle."

  • James Fenimore Cooper: "Leatherstocking Tales."

  • Nathaniel Hawthorne: "The Scarlet Letter."

  • Herman Melville: "Moby-Dick."

  • Edgar Allan Poe: Known for "The Raven" and "The Tell-Tale Heart."