Cultural history of the United States

A cultural history of the United States examines the ways in which culture, broadly defined as the shared beliefs, customs, values, and practices of a society, has evolved and shaped the nation’s identity over time. This article gives an overview of key themes and periods in the cultural history of the United States:

1. Table of Contents

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   Colonial and Early American Culture (1600s–1700s):

   • Diverse Origins: The cultural landscape was influenced by Native American traditions, European colonists (English, Dutch, Spanish), and later, African influences.
   • Religious Influences: Puritanism in New England, Anglicanism in the South, and religious diversity in the Middle Colonies played a significant role.

2. Revolutionary Era and Early Republic (1770s–1820s):

   • Enlightenment Ideas: The influence of Enlightenment philosophy on the Founding Fathers and the shaping of democratic ideals.
   • Art and Literature: Emergence of American literature with figures like Washington Irving and the Hudson River School in art.

3. Antebellum Period and Westward Expansion (1820s–1850s):

   • Manifest Destiny: Cultural beliefs supporting westward expansion and the idea of a continental nation.
   • Transcendentalism: Intellectual movement emphasizing individualism, nature, and the inherent goodness of people.

4. Civil War and Reconstruction (1860s):

   • Impact on Arts: The Civil War’s impact on literature and art, including works that reflected the war’s human cost and social upheaval.

5. Gilded Age and Progressive Era (1870s–1920s):

   • Industrialization and Urbanization: Changes in lifestyle, consumption patterns, and the emergence of a consumer culture.
   • Cultural Movements: Rise of realism in literature, the Arts and Crafts Movement, and early forms of popular entertainment.

6. Roaring Twenties and Jazz Age (1920s):

   • Cultural Shifts: Changes in social norms, fashion, music, and literature, epitomized by the Jazz Age.
   • Harlem Renaissance: Cultural and artistic explosion in the African American community, particularly in Harlem.

7. Great Depression and New Deal (1930s):

   • Impact on Arts: WPA programs supporting artists, photographers, and writers during economic hardship.

8. World War II and Postwar Period (1940s–1950s):

   • Cultural Responses: Contributions of artists and writers to the war effort, and the emergence of the Beat Generation in the postwar years.

9. Civil Rights Movement and Counterculture (1960s):

   • Social Change: Cultural impact of the Civil Rights Movement, feminist movements, and the counterculture.
   • Popular Culture: Rise of rock and roll, youth culture, and the influence of television.

10. Late 20th Century to Present (1970s–Today):

    • Multiculturalism: Embrace of diversity in literature, arts, and popular culture.
    • Technological Revolution: Impact of the digital age on communication, entertainment, and the arts.
    • Globalization: The influence of global cultures and the interconnectedness of world cultures.

A cultural history of the United States explores how cultural expressions, beliefs, and practices have shaped and been shaped by historical events and societal changes. It provides insights into the complexities and nuances of American identity.