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The Great Awakening (1730's and 1740's)
A philosophical movement that began in 1730, the Great Awakening was characterized by an individualistic approach to worship in order to achieve redemption. Brimstone and hell-fire sermons led by John Edwards and others were common, especially in MA. Religious fervor and shift from traditional views created a new American religious identity. Edwards, Jonathan, Some Thoughts Concerning the Present Revival of Religion in New England, 1742
UTA History Department, “The Great Awakening” Lecture -
French and Indian War (1754-1763)
The Colonial Army was largely responsible for the British victory. The Colonials had immense pride in their contribution and in their identity as English citizens but had also learned to put aside differences in order to unite against a common foe. Great Britain was granted the vast amounts of land and as Colonials moved West their sense of independence and self-reliance added another facet to the developing collective American identity. UTA History Department, “The Seven Years’ War” Lecture -
Thomas Paine's Common Sense
The Enlightenment was a philosophical movement across the Colonies that would inspire revolution while shaping the collective American conscious and society. This era was characterized by works of literature such as Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense”. Calling for the right to an egalitarian government and written in simple, accessible language, the pamphlet appealed to all levels of society, providing them with a common cause and identity. Paine, Thomas. “Common Sense”. January 10, 1776 -
The American Revolution (1776-1783)
The American Revolution would temporarily create a society where class and regional differences blurred. Patriots were idealists fighting for liberty and equality against tyranny. The years of hardship and subsequent victory created a strong sense of American pride (no longer British) and idealism which are part of the American identity to this day. Jefferson, Thomas, “The Declaration of Independence”, 1776
Open Stax, “US History”, Houston, Texas, OpenStax, December 30, 2014, Chapter 6 -
Treaty of Paris
No longer English citizens in revolt, the Patriot representatives signed the Treaty of Paris as American citizens and equals. The treaty awarded the US with vast lands which in turn increased conflicts with the Indians, reinforced the racial divide and set the stage for future division. The American sense of self was increasingly associated with being “white” and the belief that expansion was their right. Open Stax, Chapter 6
UTA History Department, “Toward Revolution” Lecture -
The Louisiana Purchase
Thomas Jefferson bought 828,000 square miles West of the Mississippi River known as the Louisiana Purchase from the French, doubling the size of the US. These lands were inhabited by Indians, again causing conflict as settlers rushed West. The new American identity would be characterized by racial superiority and both the need and right to expand West in the decades to come. “Louisiana Purchase”, History.com. Accessed June 25, 2017. http://www.history.com/topics/louisiana-purchase
