Changes to American Society and Culture from 1700 to 1812 - Formation of the 'American' National Identity (AC)
By acantrell77
-
Consumer Revolution
In the early eighteenth century the bonds between the British colonies and the British Empire were still very strong. So strong, in fact, that colonists sought to emulate their British counterparts back home. Demand for British goods was high and an increased supply of these goods led to the Consumer Revolution. Colonists purchased goods from Britain in order to show their wealth and link to British heritage. One such individual from the colonial Gentry was William Byrd II, pictured here. -
Great Awakening/Enlightenment
During the mid 1700’s The Great Awakening and the Enlightenment movements planted seeds that led to changed thinking for the British colonists. New ideas such as spiritual depravity of ALL people, were taught by preachers such as Jonathan Edwards, pictured here, in his most famous sermon “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God”. Enlightenment principles such as rationalism and progressivism favored self-government over monarchial systems. -
Boston Tea Party
On December 16, 1773 Bostonians threw 342 cases of tea into Boston Harbor in protest of Britain’s tax on tea. By this point in colonial history, the colonists were tired of the oppressive control that Britain demanded. The Great Awakening and Enlightenment ideas were becoming more engrained into the minds of the colonists and their relationship to Britain is changing. Seen here is a picture of Boston Tea Party. -
American Revolution
The American Revolution (1775 – 1783) proved that the colonists meant what they said when they wanted independence. Prior to the actual signing of the Declaration of Independence, the “shot heard round the world” was fired on April 19, 1775, which started the American Revolution. This war would last 8 years and the inexperienced Continental Army would have to overcome many hardships and have help to achieve victory. The “American” identity had manifested itself but still had limited support. -
The Declaration of Independence
In July 1776 the second Continental Congress drafted the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia which detailed their reasoning for separating from Britain and the intent to establish a form of government where: “Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed”. At this point the “American” identity was being established. Seen here is a picture of the original draft of the Declaration of Independence. -
Constitutional Convention
The Constitutional Convention met in the summer of 1787 in Philadelphia to draft a new governmental framework. Enlightenment thinking helped the drafters believe in their ability to create an improved governmental framework. As the opening Preamble states “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union,”. The attached picture represents what the scene may have looked like as the framers worked out the details of The Constitution. -
Bill of Rights
American identity established, progress now came in the Bill of Rights which sought to limit Federal power and protect citizens’ rights. Passed in 1791, The First Amendment states, in part, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion,”. This shows steady progress away from the British system of a state run church. Attached is a picture of the 1st Amendment to the Bill of Rights.
