Major Elements Of American Identity Essay

America is simply defined as “the land masses and islands of North America, Central America, and South America”. However, to the people of this nation, America stands for so much more. Many years ago, settlers came to the Americas for many reasons. Although it was not easy, we have them to thank for establishing this great nation. There were many elements important to American identity during this time, and some of these elements can still be seen today. The main element of American identity during this time was independence. Settlers came from different lands to experience the freedom offered in America. Many came for religious reasons. There were also other opportunities that they could not experience anywhere else. After many unpleasant exchanges, the
colonists decided that they wanted to declare their independence from Britain. The British imposed harsh taxes on the colonists that they felt were unfair. They protested these acts, but nothing seemed to work. Thomas Paine, an English-American political activist, composed a pamphlet called Common Sense in which he wrote about the wrongdoings of Britain and how America should have independence. Paine writes “until an independence is declared the continent will feel itself like a man who continues putting off some unpleasant business from day to day, yet knows it must be done, hates to set about it, wishes it over, and is continually haunted with the thoughts of its necessity” (Paine, 1993, 29). With this image, Paine concludes his pamphlet. His point is very clear. America must become completely independent from Britain. He believed that it was America’s time to act and wanted Americans to stand with him. Common Sense inspired many great works, including The Declaration of Independence. The Declaration of Independence was a legal document that expressed the concerns of the colonists and the reasons why the thirteen colonies had separated from Britain. Thomas Jefferson, a member of the committee to the Declaration of Independence, was chosen to create the first draft. Jefferson wrote, “When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation” (Baym et al. 340). Jefferson also stressed that the Britain had overstepped their boundaries. He wanted the Americans to see Britain’s wrongs and thought it was important for the Americans to have freedom. Perhaps the most famous statement of The Declaration of Independence reads, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" (Baym et al. 340). The writers of this document did not want to be taxed any differently than other British citizens and wanted equal rights for the colonist. Jefferson believed that Americans were endowed with certain rights, which were being violated by Britain. Jefferson wanted his fellow Americans to live a life of happiness. Another element important to American identity was tolerance.
In Benjamin Franklin's Autobiography, we see that he is unbiased and accepting of all religions. He even says, "I respect them all, tho' with different degrees of Respect" (Baym et al. 299). Franklin realized that there were all sorts of people that lived in America and he was not one to judge someone because of their differences. Many Puritans came to America for religious freedom and Franklin shows the movement away from the strict Puritan rules. Franklin believed that colonists should follow rules they felt were important to make them a better citizen. Crevecoeur, the writers of Letters From An American Farmer, also showed tolerance in his writing. He described an American: “He is an American, who, leaving behind him all his ancient prejudices and manners, receives new ones from the new mode of life he has embraced, the new government he obeys, and the new rank he holds” (Baym et al. 312). Crevecoeur also talked about the different people who made up American but said that there were no social classes like there were in Britain. America was a place where people came for new starts and for the many opportunities offered
there. The last element important to American identity was bravery. Bravery can be seen in almost every aspect of American life. Coming to America posed many challenges but it was the brave souls that made it here and did what they had to do to survive. The bravery of American’s can also be seen in literature and how it inspired colonists. Thomas Paine and Thomas Jefferson both wrote works that contributed to America’s independence from Britain. These works encouraged Americans to stand up for what they believed, even if it meant risking everything, including their lives. Olaudah Equiano also showed bravery in his writing. He was kidnapped and made to become a slave. Although he did not experience the horrific events of most, he persevered and lived to write about it. He was brave in all of his journeys and never gave up hope. Many of these elements important to America’s identity in its infancy are still very evident today. As Americans, we still value our freedom and independence. John F. Kennedy once said, “The cost of freedom is always high, but Americans have always paid it. And one path we shall never choose, and that is the path of surrender, or submission.” This quote reflects the bravery of Americans. We take pride in our freedom and bravery. Today, America is also a very diverse nation. People from a variety of nations continue to come to this country for many reasons. This gives us a rich and fascinating culture. Without these elements, we would not be the nation of many opportunities.