1.What does Crèvecoeur's piece (1781) tell us about late 18th century America?
2.How does he describe Americans?
- Who are they?
- What values do they have?
- Put into perspective of the declaration of Independence and historical context
3.In contrast how does he describe the Europeans?
4.Discuss whether the meaning of being an American has changed
5.Put into perspective of the definition of the American Dream
6.Discuss whether this is a reliable source
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1.What does Crèvecoeur's piece (1781) tell us about late 18th century America?
ReplyDeleteHe tells us that the late 18th century America beholds fair cities, substantial villages, and extensive fields, an immense country filled with decent houses, good roads, orchards, meadows, and bridges, where an hundred years ago all was wild, woody and uncultivated.
2.How does he describe Americans?
- Who are they?
- What values do they have?
- Put into perspective of the declaration of Independence and historical context
Who are they: They are all people of cultivaters, scattered over an immense territory, communicating with each other by means of good roads and navigable rivers, united by the silken bands of mild government, all respecting the laws, without dreading their power, because they are equitable.
What values do they have: They are all free and ought to be. They believe in themselves. Like the declaration of independence where the view of the human nature is that all men are created equally.
3.In contrast how does he describe the Europeans?
They work and starve. Their life is a continual scene of sore affliction or pinching penury. The rich and the poor are far removed from each other.
“Great Lords who possess everything, and of a herd of people who have nothing.”
4.Discuss whether the meaning of being an American has changed
I think the ground principles of being an American is the same as it always have been. The opportunity to make individual choices without the restrictions that limit people according to their class, religion or race.
5.Put into perspective of the definition of the American Dream
By using European cultural integration within the theme of being "American", Crevecoeur essentially reveals how opportunity has made America a nation of many cultures and ethnicities. In being a new nation that could welcome the destitute of Europe to begin new lives, early America becomes the `dream' of wealth and prosperity for those that have the courage to be pioneers.
6.Discuss whether this is a reliable source
J. Hector St. John De Crevecoeur creates a vision about what America and The American dream really is. I think that he is a reliable source, but I also think that you should see it before you can believe it.
Crevecoeur describes America as a country where everybody is welcome. Everybody is equal, and there is no such thing as poor people and rich people, not really anyway. Any newcomer is met with hospitality and kindness. This part of the text almost sounds as a communist speaking; but later in the text he describes how Europeans are limited in their way of thinking, and how their thoughts get free and unlimited when they are breathing in the American air. This part of the text is dominated by the thoughts behind the Declaration of Independence, the American Dream, the wish to follow one’s dreams. As soon as the Europeans, who come to America, realize the possibilities and understand the glory of America, then they become true Americans.
ReplyDeleteMartin
Late 18th century America was a land full of opportunity for people who couldn't cut it in Europe. It was a young country offering opportunities for poor people from Europe to become an important cog in the chain of American society, without the prejudices they encountered in Europe.
ReplyDeleteAmericans are Europeans, who immigrated due to prejudice or poverty. They are made to feel welcome and have the opportunity to make something of themselves. Their talents, whatever they may be, will be utilized.
Everyone is created equal (No class system or Aristocracy like in Europe) and has the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Europeans are described as pompous and set in their ways with their unfair class system and laws.
To be an American is to be free and take advantage of the opportunities the land has to offer. To go from no-one to someone. This is the American dream and it still applies today.