4.9 American Culture

Development of an American Culture (Period 4: 1800-1848)

1. An American Culture:

• The United States saw growth and a shift towards a distinctive culture.

• New generations began forming an American identity with limited European ties.

• American culture borrowed from Europe while incorporating unique elements.

• Romanticism emerged from late 18th century Europe, emphasizing emotion, individualism, and nature (1800-1850).

• Nationalism developed in early 19th century, bolstered by the War of 1812 victory and the Era of Good Feelings under President James Monroe, marked by reduced partisanship.

2. American Culture in the Arts:

A. Literature:

• James Fenimore Cooper:

  • First great American novelist, notable works include The Spy (1821), The Pioneers (1823), and The Last of the Mohicans (1826).

  • Wrote tales reflecting frontier life, exploring native themes and American nationalism.

• Walt Whitman:

  • Author of Leaves of Grass (1855), celebrated individual liberation.

  • His focus on liberation was influenced by his own experiences as a gay man in the 19th century.

• Margaret Fuller:

  • Published Woman in the 19th Century, advocating for self-discovery in relation to gender roles.

B. Art:

• American painters sought to capture the beauty of American nature, leading to the rise of the Hudson River School in New York.

• Notable artists include Thomas Cole and Frederic Church, who depicted the wild nature of America, presenting it as a land of promise.

• Later artists like Albert Bierstadt and Thomas Moran highlighted westward expansion.

C. Architecture:

• Greek Revival (1800-1850):

  • Architecture symbolizing democracy, with buildings such as Capitol structures in North Carolina, Indiana, and Ohio.

• Gothic Revival (1840s-late 19th Century):

  • A return to medieval styles featuring chimneys, gables, gargoyles, and stained glass