APUSH TOPIC 3.11-Developing an American Identity

Summary

This video explores the evolution of American identity from 1754 to 1800, focusing on key cultural aspects such as visual arts, literature, architecture, and language. The early years of the republic saw limited artistic development, with artists like John Trumbull and Charles Wilson Peale shaping America's visual history. Writers like Benjamin Franklin influenced American character through works like Poor Richard's Almanack. The influence of classical European architecture was evident in structures like Jefferson's Monticello. Notable figures such as Phyllis Wheatley and James Fenimore Cooper also contributed to American culture through literature, emphasizing themes of independence and uniqueness.

Takeaways

• 😀 The American identity began to take shape after independence, with the early republic developing its unique cultural traits in art, literature, and architecture.
• 😀 In the early days of America, creative arts like painting and literature were secondary to survival and economic development, and much of the art was imitative of British styles.
• 😀 John Trumbull, an important American artist, painted historical works such as *The Declaration of Independence* (1795) and *The Surrender of Lord Cornwallis* (1820), depicting key moments in American history.
• 😀 Charles Wilson Peale, famous for his portraits of George Washington, helped contribute to early American visual art, capturing important historical figures.
• 😀 Benjamin Franklin, a key figure in the formation of American identity, published *Poor Richard’s Almanack*, which promoted values like thrift, hard work, and common sense.
• 😀 Franklin's famous sayings, such as 'Lost time is never found again' and 'Haste makes waste', reflected the emerging American character of pragmatism and individualism.
• 😀 Early American architecture was influenced by European styles, particularly neo-classical elements like columns, domes, and arches, reflecting Enlightenment ideals.
• 😀 Thomas Jefferson, an architect and statesman, designed Monticello and the University of Virginia, integrating classical architectural elements into American structures.
• 😀 Noah Webster, through works like his *Blue-Back Speller* and dictionary, played a crucial role in establishing an American version of the English language, setting it apart from British English.
• 😀 American literature in the 18th century began to focus more on national themes, with writers like James Fenimore Cooper, who explored frontier life and Native American issues in his *Leatherstocking Tales*.
• 😀 Phyllis Wheatley, an enslaved African poet, became one of the first African Americans to publish a book of poetry, contributing to the early American literary scene.

Q & A

What was the focus of American identity between 1754 and 1800?

Between 1754 and 1800, American identity was shaped by the country’s shift from colonial dependency to independence, with a focus on defining national character through art, literature, and architecture. These elements helped to distinguish American culture from its European roots.

Why was painting and visual art initially neglected in early America?

In the early days of the Republic, painting and other creative arts were neglected because Americans were focused on building the country and dealing with the frontier. There was little time for creative pursuits, and what art existed was often imitative of British styles.

Who was John Trumbull and what role did he play in American art?

John Trumbull was an American artist who, after studying in Europe, became known for his historical paintings, particularly those depicting key moments from the American Revolution. His famous works include *The Declaration of Independence* and *The Surrender of Lord Cornwallis*.

What themes did Charles Wilson Peale explore in his art?

Charles Wilson Peale is most famous for his portraits of George Washington, capturing him in various stages of his life, particularly during the American Revolution. Peale's art was a visual record of the nation's leaders and history.

What was Benjamin Franklin's contribution to early American literature?

Benjamin Franklin's contribution to American literature was primarily through *Poor Richard's Almanack*, which contained proverbs and moral teachings emphasizing hard work, thrift, and common sense. These ideas helped shape the emerging American character.

How did Benjamin Franklin's writing reflect the American identity?

Franklin's writing, particularly in *Poor Richard's Almanack*, highlighted values like independence, self-reliance, and practical wisdom, all of which became central to the American identity. His famous phrases like 'Lost time is never found again' emphasized the importance of time and effort in building a successful life.

What architectural styles were popular in early American architecture, and who influenced them?

Early American architecture was heavily influenced by Greco-Roman and neo-classical styles, as these were popular during the Enlightenment. Features like columns, domes, and arches became common in American buildings, exemplified by Thomas Jefferson's Monticello and the University of Virginia.

What role did Thomas Jefferson play in shaping American architecture?

Thomas Jefferson was not only a statesman but also an architect. He designed Monticello, his home, and the grounds of the University of Virginia, incorporating neo-classical elements such as columns and domes, which reflected the new Republic's admiration for ancient democratic ideals.

How did Noah Webster contribute to the development of American culture?

Noah Webster contributed to the development of American culture by creating the first American dictionary and spelling book, which helped standardize American English and establish a distinct American identity separate from British English.

What was the significance of Phyllis Wheatley’s work in American literature?

Phyllis Wheatley, an enslaved African woman, became a famous poet in early America. Her works, including *Poems on Various Subjects*, were widely read, and even George Washington praised her poetry. Wheatley’s life and work represented a significant contribution to American literature, particularly in showcasing the intellectual potential of enslaved people.

How did James Fenimore Cooper’s writing differ from other American authors of his time?

James Fenimore Cooper's writing, particularly in *The Leatherstocking Tales*, focused on uniquely American themes, such as frontier life, Native American cultures, and the wilderness. Unlike many of his contemporaries, who often set their stories in Europe, Cooper’s works celebrated the distinctiveness of America.