Developing an AMERICAN IDENTITY [APUSH Review Unit 3 Topic 11 (3.11)] Period 3: 1754-1800

Summary

This video from Heimler's History explores the development of a unique American identity from 1754-1800. It highlights the concept of 'Republican Motherhood,' where women, particularly white women, were seen as pivotal in shaping the nation's future through their roles as educated mothers. The video also touches on the expansion of women's education, the limited progress for black and Native American women, and the influence of art, literature, and architecture in forging a national identity. It discusses how figures like Benjamin Franklin and works like Charles Willson Peale's portrait of George Washington contributed to this identity, along with the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom emphasizing the separation of church and state.

Takeaways

• 📚 The video discusses the development of a distinct American identity from 1754-1800.
• 👩‍🏫 The concept of 'Republican Motherhood' emerged, emphasizing the role of women in shaping the nation through education.
• 🎓 Women's education expanded during this period, with Massachusetts instituting elementary education for all children in 1789.
• 🖌️ Art and literature began to reflect a national identity, moving away from European influences.
• 🖼️ Painters like Charles Willson Peale and John Trumbull depicted historical events to evoke nationalistic sentiments.
• 🏛️ Architectural styles also shifted towards a classical revival, influenced by European designs, as seen in Monticello.
• 📖 Literature, including Benjamin Franklin's 'Poor Richard’s Almanack', played a role in shaping the American identity.
• ✍️ Thomas Jefferson's 'Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom' established the separation of church and state, a key American value.
• 👩‍💼 The push for women's rights had its roots in this period, though it was limited to white women and did not extend to black or Native American women.
• 🌐 The video script is part of a series aimed at helping students excel in AP U.S. History.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video on early American identity?

The main focus of the video is to explain the changes in American culture from 1754-1800 and how the early republic began developing a distinct American identity.

What was the concept of 'Republican Motherhood' and who introduced it?

The concept of 'Republican Motherhood' was introduced by Benjamin Rush in his 1787 essay 'Essay on Female Education'. It posited that mothers were in the best position to influence political ideas by raising virtuous sons educated in the principles of liberty.

How did the push for women's education during this period manifest?

The push for women's education led to the expansion of schooling for girls, with Massachusetts instituting elementary education for all children in 1789 and an increase in academies for girls.

Who was Judith Sargent Murray and what was her stance on women's roles?

Judith Sargent Murray was a woman who pushed for an expanded role for women, arguing that they should be able to attain the necessities of life apart from the help and patronage of a man.

How did the status of black women and American Indian women change during the early republic period?

The status of black women, most of whom were enslaved or working as household servants, and American Indian women, whose influence diminished due to increasing wars and conflicts, changed negatively during the early republic period.

How did art and literature contribute to the development of an American identity?

Art, literature, and architecture increasingly found expression in works that reflected an American identity, moving away from European influences. Artists like Charles Willson Peale, Samuel Jennings, and John Trumbull depicted historical events and American culture in a way that provoked nationalistic fervor.

What is the significance of Charles Willson Peale's portrait of George Washington?

Charles Willson Peale's portrait of George Washington is significant as it represents an early attempt to create a visual identity for the new nation and its leaders, contributing to the development of an American identity.

How did John Trumbull's paintings contribute to the shaping of American identity?

John Trumbull's paintings, which depicted important historical events in a romanticized way, contributed to the shaping of American identity by provoking a sense of nationalistic fervor and helping the audience understand these events as defining moments for the nation.

What role did architecture play in the formation of an American identity?

Architecture, influenced by European classical revival style, played a role in the formation of an American identity by reflecting a formal and classical aesthetic, as seen in buildings like Thomas Jefferson's Monticello.

How did Benjamin Franklin's 'Poor Richard's Almanack' influence American culture?

Benjamin Franklin's 'Poor Richard's Almanack', with its widely read aphorisms, helped shape American identity as industrious and hardworking, as it was filled with practical advice and wisdom that resonated with early Americans.

What was the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom and how did it reflect American religious views?

The Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, authored by Thomas Jefferson, defined the separation between church and state, reflecting the American belief in religious freedom and the inability of the government to compel religious adherence or support.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Introduction to American Identity Development

The video begins with an introduction to Unit 3 of the AP U.S. History curriculum, focusing on the development of a distinct American identity in the early republic. The main question raised is how American culture changed between 1754 and 1800. The video aims to explore these cultural changes.

👩‍🏫 The Role of Women and Republican Motherhood

This section discusses the limited role of women in early American society, noting that they lacked voting rights and other privileges. However, the idea of Republican Motherhood emerged, emphasizing that women, especially mothers, were crucial in raising virtuous sons and educating them about liberty. Benjamin Rush’s essay on female education in 1787 laid the groundwork for this idea.

🎓 Expanding Education for Women

The push for educating women led to increased opportunities for girls' schooling. Massachusetts introduced elementary education for all children in 1789, and more academies for girls were established. Women like Judith Sargent Murray advocated for greater independence for women, though true independence wouldn't come for a long time.

✊ Racial and Cultural Limits to Women's Education

While education expanded for white women, this period saw little progress for Black and Indigenous women. Black women were mostly enslaved or worked as household servants, and Indigenous women saw their influence diminish as conflicts with settlers increased. This section highlights the disparities in education across different racial and cultural groups.

🎨 Art and Literature in Early America

American national identity during this time also found expression in art, literature, and architecture. Artists like Charles Willson Peale and Samuel Jennings depicted American historical themes, while John Trumbull’s romanticized portrayals of key events, such as the signing of the Declaration of Independence, stirred national pride. Architecture followed classical revival styles, especially visible in Thomas Jefferson's Monticello.

📖 Literature's Role in Shaping American Identity

Literature, such as Benjamin Franklin's *Poor Richard’s Almanack*, played a significant role in shaping the early American identity. Franklin's aphorisms, like 'a penny saved is a penny earned,' were widely adopted and reflected the values of hard work and industriousness in early American culture.

⛪ Religion and the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom

This section touches on religion in early America, highlighting Thomas Jefferson's Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, which outlined the separation of church and state. It argued against compelling citizens to support religious institutions with tax dollars or forcing them to attend church, reflecting a distinctly American perspective on religious liberty.

🎓 Conclusion and Unit 3 Summary

The video concludes by summarizing the content of Unit 3 Topic 11 of the AP U.S. History curriculum. The speaker encourages viewers to subscribe if they find the videos helpful for achieving success in class and on the AP exam.

Keywords

💡Republican Motherhood

Republican Motherhood refers to the idea that women, particularly mothers, played a pivotal role in shaping the future of the new American republic by raising virtuous and patriotic sons. This concept emerged from Benjamin Rush's 1787 essay, 'Essay on Female Education,' which posited that educated mothers could instill the principles of liberty in their children. In the video, this concept is highlighted as a significant shift in the perception of women's roles, emphasizing their responsibility in nurturing the next generation of American citizens.

💡Judith Sargent Murray

Judith Sargent Murray was an early American feminist who advocated for women's rights and education. She pushed for a more expanded role for women, arguing for their independence and the necessity for them to attain the necessities of life without male patronage. Her views are mentioned in the video as part of the early roots of the women's rights movement, illustrating the growing awareness and discussion around gender roles and equality during the period.

💡Charles Willson Peale

Charles Willson Peale was a prominent American painter during the colonial and early national periods. His work, including the famous portrait of George Washington, reflects the artistic focus on historical themes and Enlightenment ideals. In the video, Peale's paintings are discussed as examples of how art began to express and shape the emerging American identity, with a particular emphasis on the portrayal of key figures and events.

💡Samuel Jennings

Samuel Jennings was an artist who broke norms by including women and African Americans in his paintings of American culture. His work is noted in the video for its departure from traditional portrayals and its emphasis on rationality and education, suggesting a broader and more inclusive vision of American society during the early republic.

💡John Trumbull

John Trumbull was an important painter of the time, known for his historical paintings that often romanticized events to evoke nationalistic sentiment. His depiction of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, as mentioned in the video, is an example of how art was used to create a dramatic and idealized narrative of American history, influencing the way citizens perceived their past and identity.

💡Classical Revival Style

The Classical Revival Style in architecture was characterized by formal brick and stone structures, often featuring columns and domes, inspired by classical Greek and Roman designs. The video points to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello as an example of this style, which was prevalent during the early republic and reflected the aspiration to emulate the grandeur and ideals of classical antiquity.

💡Poor Richard's Almanack

Poor Richard's Almanack, authored by Benjamin Franklin, was a widely read publication filled with aphorisms and practical advice. It was so popular that only the Bible outsold it. The almanac is highlighted in the video for its influence on shaping American identity, particularly through its promotion of values like industry, frugality, and hard work.

💡Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom

The Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, authored by Thomas Jefferson, was a significant document that established the separation of church and state. It is discussed in the video as a reflection of American values regarding religious freedom and the government's role in religious affairs. The statute's principles are integral to the American identity, emphasizing individual liberty and the non-compulsory nature of religious practice.

💡Academies for Girls

Academies for Girls refer to educational institutions that were established during the early republic to provide schooling for girls, a development that accompanied the push for women's education. The video mentions the multiplication of such academies, indicating a growing recognition of the importance of female education and a shift in societal attitudes towards women's roles.

💡Matrilineal Descent

Matrilineal Descent is a system where an individual's lineage and social status are determined through the mother's line. The video discusses how, in many American Indian groups, women traditionally held more influence due to matrilineal descent. However, with increased conflicts and westward migration, the roles and influence of Indian women diminished as men's roles as warriors and diplomats expanded.

Highlights

The early republic began developing a distinct American identity.

Exploring changes in American culture from 1754-1800.

Women had a diminished role in early American society but were seen as crucial to a strong America through the concept of Republican Motherhood.

Benjamin Rush's 1787 essay influenced the idea that educated mothers could raise virtuous sons.

The push for women's education led to expanded schooling for girls, including Massachusetts instituting elementary education for all children in 1789.

Judith Sargent Murray advocated for women's independence and expanded roles.

The expansion of education did not extend to black women or American Indian women, whose influence diminished during this period.

National identity found expression in art, literature, and architecture, moving away from European influences.

Charles Willson Peale, Samuel Jennings, and John Trumbull were significant painters of the time, each contributing to the American identity through their work.

Architecture reflected a classical revival style, as seen in Thomas Jefferson's Monticello.

Literature, such as Benjamin Franklin's Poor Richard's Almanack, shaped American identity with its aphorisms.

Thomas Jefferson's Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom defined the separation of church and state, a key American value.

The development of an American identity was multifaceted, involving changes in women's roles, art, literature, architecture, and religious freedom.

Transcripts

Well hey there and welcome back to  Heimler’s History. We’ve been going  

through Unit 3 of the AP U.S. History curriculum,  

and in this video we’re going to talk about  how the early republic began developing a  

distinct American identity. So if you’re ready  to get them brain cows milked, let’s get to it.

So the main idea we’re going to be getting  at in this video is basically this: how can  

we explain the changes in American culture from  1754-1800? And I got some ideas on the answer.

So first, let’s talk about the ladies. It  probably won’t surprise you to know that women  

had a diminished role in early American society  compared to today. They didn’t have voting rights,  

their roles were more limited, etc. But during  this period many leaders were convinced that  

wives and mothers were especially crucial  to the establishment of a strong America,  

and this led to the development of an idea  known as the Republican Motherhood. Now this  

idea came from an essay written by Benjamin  Rush in 1787 called Essay on Female Education,  

and essentially it posited that mothers were in  the best position to influence political ideas by  

raising virtuous sons educated in the principles  of liberty. And if mothers were going to that,  

then they needed to be educated themselves. Now I  know that’s a far cry from what we would consider  

women’s rights, but in general, many women  saw this as a sacred duty to be performed.

Now this push for women’s education actually  did work to expand schooling for girls. In 1789,  

for example, Massachusetts instituted  elementary education for all children,  

and along with that academies  for girls multiplied too.

Some women, like Judith Sargent Murray,  pushed for an even more expanded role  

for women arguing that women should be  able to attain the necessities of life  

apart from the help and patronage of a man.  Now that kind of independence wouldn’t come  

to fruition for a long time, but the roots of  women’s rights are here in the very beginning.

Now if you’re listening closely, you can  probably discern that I’m really only talking  

about the expansion of roles and education for  white women. This idea of expanded education  

certainly didn’t extend to black women, the bulk  of whom were either enslaved or could only find  

work as household servants. Also American Indian  women’s influence diminished during this period  

as well. You may recall that in many Indian  groups descent was reckoned matrilineally,  

or through the mother, and that women typically  had more influence among their people than the  

average white women did among hers. But with  the increasing wars and conflicts among the  

Indians and westward migrating settlers, men’s  roles as warriors and diplomats expanded,  

which had the effect of decreasing the  roles and influence of the Indian women.

Okay, so that was women in the early republic.  Also during this time ideas about our national  

identity as Americans increasingly found  expression in works of art and literature  

and architecture. And during the colonial days,  these things were mostly influenced by European  

styles. For example, artists devoted attention  to painting pictures with historical themes,  

with Enlightenment influence. For example,  a significant painter during this time was  

Charles Willson Peale whose most famous work  was a portrait of George Washington. Samuel  

Jennings broke norms by including women and  black folks into his paintings of American  

culture while still emphasizing the importance of  rationality and education. John Trumbull is also  

an exceedingly important painter during this time.  He devoted much of his work to depicting important  

historical events, but did so in a romanticized  way. For example, here’s Trumbull’s depiction of  

the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  Notice his use of light and how it adds drama  

to the scene. Notice how the hall is packed and  everyone stands or sits in reverent silence as  

Jefferson hands over the document. But the truth  is, that’s not how the Declaration was signed.  

There was hardly a time when everyone was in the  room together, and probably everyone was sweaty  

and stank from being cooped up indoors in July.  It was a hurried and harried thing, not really  

a reverent one. But in depicting it this way,  Trumbull provokes a sense of nationalistic fervor  

in his audience and helps them understand that  this is one of their defining moments as a people.

With respect to architecture, its style  was likewise borrowed from Europe and  

it was mostly formal brick and stone,  reflecting the classical revival style.  

You can see this especially reflected  in Thomas Jefferson’s famous home,  

Monticello. And you can see that style  in the columns and the dome up top.

Literature also played a part in shaping the  early American identity. Benjamin Franklin’s Poor  

Richard’s Almanack was read widely in colonial  and post-colonial times. In fact it was so popular  

that only the Bible outsold it. This annual  handbook was filled with aphorisms like, “a penny  

saved is a penny earned” which delighted early  Americans. They eagerly adopted many of these  

aphorisms and it helped shape American identity  as those who were industrious and hard working.

And let’s also talk briefly about religion.  Thomas Jefferson was responsible for giving  

us the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom,  which said an awful lot about how Americans  

viewed themselves religiously. This statute  defined the separation between church and state,  

which in general, was a very American thing  to believe. It argued that people could not  

be compelled to support church ministry with tax  dollars, or even compelled to go to church at all,  

nor could the government violate the  conscience of an individual worshipper.

Okay, that's what you need to know about Unit  3 Topic 11 of the AP US History curriculum.  

If you need help getting an A in your  class and a five on your exam in May,  

videos for you, then subscribe and that lets  me know you want me to keep going. Heimler out.