The Emergence of an American Identity. 1.10 The Emergence of an American Identity.

National Identity Not all members of the colonies could vote. In the original 13 colonies, suffrage, or the right to vote, existed only among male property owners. This was an early development of egalitarianism, or the spread of equality. Women and people of color did not have the right to vote in pre-Revolutionary America.

The Rise of Nationalism Stirrings of nationalism, or loyalty to a group with such shared characteristics as country or culture, took root in the American colonies a century before the American Revolution. The American colonists began to think of themselves as “American” and not “British”.

Bacon’s Rebellion In 1676, a Virginia planter named Nathanial Bacon clashed with the British Royal Governor. Bacon wanted to make further war on the American Indians because he believed the colonists had more of a right to the land than did the Native Americans of the country. High taxes and low tobacco prices also caused resentment in the colony. Bacon and his men burned Jamestown in what became known as Bacon’s Rebellion. This incident is often considered a forerunner to the American Revolution.

Social Structure Despite small advances in egalitarianism, as the colonies grew they developed a social structure. At the top were white men who owned property, especially large farms. Next came merchants and skilled laborers. Under them were indentured servants, and at the bottom were slaves.

What is American? After the American Revolution, the United States began to form a national identity. Today we see many things as “American”. Rock n’ Roll, Blue Jeans, Apple Pie, Baseball, etc. What does being an American mean to you?_______________________________ ___________________________________

Education Northern towns usually had a central school, most often connected with the Church. Since members of these congregations lived in the same area, their children would be educated in a nearby school. But, in the South, towns were much farther apart because of large plantations. It was impractical to have children travel to school each day. The children of the wealthy planters were educated at home by private tutors, but the remainder of the southern children had little formal education. Thus a difference in the education system in the North and South was created.

Alexis de Tocqueville An aristocratic Frenchman who came to the U.S. in 1831 when he was only 25 years old. Later wrote Democracy in America, a two- volume study of the American people and their political institutions. The book deals with issues like religion, the press, money, class structure, racism, the role of government, and the judicial system. All of these issues are still very relevant today.

Alexis de Tocqueville

Treaty of Paris, 1783 This treaty formally ended the American Revolution with Great Britain. Great Britain recognized us as a separate country; the United States of America!!!

Treaty of Paris, 1783

Land Ordinance of 1785 The immediate goal of the ordinance was to raise money through the sale of land in the largely unmapped territory west of the original colonies acquired from England after the American Revolution.

Northwest Ordinance of 1787 It allowed for additional states to be added to the USA. This helps create American “Manifest Destiny,” which encouraged the USA to move West.

Religious Pluralism The Salem Witch Trials 1st Great Awakening Separation of Church and State

The Impact of Religion Religion was a dominant part of people’s lives in the early American colonies and one of the factors resulting in the Salem Witch Trials. Often those who strayed from the dominant church’s teachings were punished. Though this may come as a surprise, considering that religious freedom was the basis for the founding of the country. It is an important part of our history.

Salem Witch Trials Some people whose behavior did not conform to religious or political norms were accused of witchcraft. The Salem Witch Trials of 1692 in Massachusetts, caused the death of 19 people, most of whom were women. Many were to be hung, while others died in prison

1st Great Awakening A time in America and England of heightened religious activity (1730s-1750s). The revival began with the preaching of Jonathan Edwards.

Jonathan Edwards He emphasized the importance and power of an immediate, personal religious experience. He warned Christians to follow the teachings of the Bible or suffer God’s wrath in the afterlife.

Separation of Church and State Many Americans wanted religion and government to be completely separated. This was not the case in England with the Church of England.