In the era of European Colonization, Columbus was a pioneer after landing in the Bahamas in 1492. Native Americans had settlements all across the North American Continent. Damaged by indigenous people, disease, and famine immigrants who came to America during the 16th, 17th, and 18th century looking for economic opportunities and religious freedom struggled to build communities. Regardless of all difficulties, over two million immigrants had settled in America by 1770(1). By then, there were 13 colonies controlled by Great Britain that by 1776 declared independency with a Revolutionary War, consequently transforming the United States of America into a Independent nation. American culture can be defined by the courage, entrepreneurship, and hard work individuals from many nations who came together with a common goal, prosperity.
American culture can be defined by the immigrants and areas where they choose to settled. Puritans and Pilgrims, as well as French Huguenots, Swiss German Anabaptists were among some groups who searched for religious freedom for themselves, but were often in conflict with one another(2).They brought their religion as well as their family values and working habits to America. Men, women, and children shared responsibilities around the house, caring for the land, animal, and producing every necessary object for their living. America provided land as a number one resource. Disease and lack of sanitation were responsible for many deaths. But by 1620, Indians and colonizers were enjoying some relationship and trading knowledge in favor of the colonizer’s survivor and advancing Indians in their war techniques. That relationship is celebrated with a famous holiday called Thanksgiving. Native American music, textile, and bead work are among some on the influences we still see it today. By the late 17th century, African slaves proved to be a profitable labor force for the tobacco plantations(3). There were an estimated one million slaves working in America by the end of the 18th century. As slavery developed and became more prominent, house servants took the hard work and a social class began to take shape. New England colony in the north benefited from maritime trade, while in the south tobacco plantations thrived with warm weather and the slave trade labor force helped them to become wealthy.
Every generation born in America grew farther apart from England. Life in America was better than Europe. Families had a average of eight children, were 20% richer and owned their land, and didn't have to pay British tax(4). The 13 colonies in America were important to Great Britain. Out of the port of Boston, about 200 ships were built and about 40% of their exports went to America. After 7 generations of emigrants, they were Americans, not European anymore(5). Conflict built up against the British Crown, which they didn't recognized anymore. Rebellion against alcohol taxation sparked the Revolutionary war leading America to Independency.
The “American Dream”, concept in which colonizers lived by, still is the core of America today. Puritans had a dream of a “nation under God”, Christians had a high degree of moral values, and Protestants work ethics and honesty are the big reasons for America’s success. Germans and Irish pushed back the frontiers while the Dutch established banks of commerce. These groups had a great impact on culture, national life, and especially in politics. Our founding fathers who were more than political revolutionaries, they were also farmers who encouraged local production of food, beer, and wine. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin shared their love for food, setting the standards for American culinary today. Washington was a savvy farmer who developed harvest techniques. Thomas Jefferson brought French culinary influences to America including ice cream(6), and Benjamin Franklin’s famous quote “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”, and his influence in the French use of potatoes(7). He was also responsible for introducing Tofu from China, and Parmesan Cheese from Italy. America greatly benefited from these renaissance men whose knowledge and courage shaped our nation.
America is a nation built by diverse groups who came together with one purpose, freedom. Their heritage, family values, social dynamics, and religion shaped The United States to be what it today. A land of opportunity, economic thrive, and religious diversity first established by colonial leaders.
Footnote:
(1) M. Cohen, trans. Christopher Columbus “the Four Voyages” (Penguin classic), 53,54.
(2)America History, History Channel, Episode 1
(3)Dr. Henry Gates Jr, The Transatlantic Slave Trade (PBS 1998)and
(4) Richard Norton Smith, History.com
(6)Dave DeWitt, The Founding Foodies (sourcebooks 2010), 125.
(7)Dave DeWitt, The Founding Foodies (sourcebooks 2010), 117.
