Heimler's History: Early American Identity (1754-1800)

Main Topic

• Exploring Changes in American Culture from 1754-1800

Role of Women

• Diminished Role in Society Compared to Today
  • No voting rights.
  • Limited social roles.
• Republican Motherhood
  • Concept from Benjamin Rush's 1787 essay "Essay on Female Education."
  • Mothers' roles in raising virtuous sons.
  • Education for mothers to educate children in liberty.
• Education Expansion
  • Massachusetts instituted elementary education for all children in 1789.
  • Growth of girls' academies.
  • Judith Sargent Murray advocated for women's independence from male patronage.
• Limitations
  • Expansion mainly for white women.
  • Black women largely enslaved or in servitude.
  • American Indian women's influence declined due to increased male warrior roles.

Art, Literature, and Architecture

• Influence of European Styles
  • Artistic focus on historical themes with Enlightenment influence.

Notable Artists

• Charles Willson Peale
  • Famous for portraits, e.g., George Washington.
• Samuel Jennings
  • Included women and black individuals in his works.
• John Trumbull
  • Historical event paintings with romanticized style.
  • Example: Signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Architecture

• Classical Revival Style
  • Example: Thomas Jefferson's Monticello.

Literature

• Benjamin Franklin’s Poor Richard’s Almanack
  • Widely read, second only to the Bible.
  • Promoted industrious, hard-working American identity.

Religion

• Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom by Thomas Jefferson
  • Defined separation of church and state.
  • Prohibited compulsory church support via taxes.
  • Ensured freedom of conscience in worship.

These notes summarize the development of a distinct American identity during the early republic period, focusing on cultural changes, the role of women, art, literature, architecture, and religion.