American Identity Paper
Jerry L. Robinson
HIS/110 CA U S History to 1865
February 07, 2014
Charles Salter

American Identity Paper With the growing diversity of America, how the Americans view themselves today tend to be more sophisticated. Partly, the developed democracy in the country plays a role in developing the American identity, which is not equated to ethnicity. It is the growth of the American culture, which evolved from the time of the American colonization to date (Spiro, 2008). Evidently, American identity differs from any other lifestyle worldwide. Though the American identity phenomenon has been identified by many individuals, Crevecoeur, an American farmer illustrates a contrast in the life he spent in Europe and that, which he found in America and how British colonies have contributed to the American identity (St. de Crèvecoeur, Trent & Lewisohn, 1904). What distinguishes an American from a European
In his first letter, Crevecoeur portrays Americans as a course group with varied religious groups and practices that exist in harmony. Crevecoeur emphasized that the immigrants finally had the opportunity to thrive through hard work and determination. His oratory hints that a European could be Americanized simply by clinching to American culture of patriotism (St. de Crèvecoeur, Trent & Lewisohn, 1904). Additionally, he emphasizes that this could even be much easier if the European morphed into a race of new men who struggle and posterity had the capacity to effect massive changes in the world. Furthermore, Crevecoeur stresses that, while the European tousled in the midst of religious and national alliances, the American embraced specifics of his identity like religion, and declaring his connection to all. Even more, he compares a poor European to a withered plant that lacks refreshing showers and vegetative mould.
What stands out is that Crevecoeur portrays America with virgin excitement (Spiro, 2008). He is amazed by the initiative of freedom. More so, he describes an American as one who depicts no crevice between the wealthy and the royals, and the poor. He emphasizes that contrary to a European who toils, bleed and starved for princes, an American was an ideal free man; he was not only free to own and possess land, but also live harmoniously pursuing religious freedom. Meanwhile, he fondly articulated about the varied races of people from different origins, which have joined in a fresh piece of land. According to Crevecoeur, Europeans were too crowded for growth, sweating with no meaning due to the small breathing space to foster that sweat. Contrary to the Europeans, American’s regeneration and freedom was an opportunity for them to spawn fresh thoughts and social systems. There sweat was somehow spontaneously rewarded materially and metaphysically. Generally, new laws, mode of living, and social system of men created from any social status govern an American (Spiro, 2008). All men from different races and languages merged in to one race; and are bound to love their country more than their cradle lands. How British colonies have contributed to the American identity
While emigrants formed colonies at the North, more of them arrived in order to explore more of their freedom and prosperity. There was need to create more room for the industrious people (St. de Crèvecoeur, Trent & Lewisohn, 1904). As a result, lands were cleared to accommodate more emigrants, who in turn contributed in the development of the unique American identity. Exclusively, each province developed their climate, agricultural practices, and customs. This was a vital consideration in the American identity development (Spiro, 2008). Each emigrant instructed their children in a way that they grew feeble zeal to radicalize, and became indifferent in religious matters. For instance, no one was radicalized to be either a Catholic or a Calvinist or a Quaker. Mixed with different denominations, cultures and races, there was no room to focus on individual differences, but the growth of the present strongest new American characteristics. Additionally, the religious lives of the emigrants played a critical role in the creation of the American identity. Every Sunday meeting was seen as an opportunity to develop social bonds between the emigrants and the natives, which in turn inspired natives to some degree of neatness (St. de Crèvecoeur, Trent & Lewisohn, 1904).
Furthermore, most of the colonies consisted of poor emigrants who were motivated to experience a new change in their lives. Out of the poverty experience, the dwellers in the British North American colonies developed schemes for future prosperity. To them, there was no time for prejudices that existed back in Europe. However, important to note is the fact that not all the emigrants were bound to succeed; it was only for the honest, sober, and industrious. Consequently, the parents saw it critical for them to establish good qualities to all their children so that they would not be poor like their parents were back in their days. What is more, none of the dwellers in the colonies focused on their past slavery and poverty. Rather, they took advantage of their diversity to form a single resilient identity that would unify them. Conclusion
What is evident is the milestone the American identity has taken to develop. As a whole, the emigrants caused the culture witnessed today. What is clearer is that the Americans are quite different from the Europeans because of the diversity in race, religion, and culture. Life in Europe was so mean to the citizens who had no connection with the royal families. Meanwhile, the emigrants in the North America colonies formed strong coalitions with the natives. All this was to ensure that their American dream was achieve. Tirelessly, they strived to make their new home environment conducive for not only them, but also their children.

References
Spiro, P. J. (2008). Beyond Citizenship: American Identity after Globalization. Oxford, England: Oxford University Press.
St. de Crèvecoeur, H. J.,Trent, W. P., & Lewisohn, L. (1904). Letters from an American Farmer. New York: Fox, Dufield & company.