7th Century American Identity

he quote’s date is striking for departure point of the one’s discourse about Europe

identity . 1623 , is a period which represents Europe ‘s settling down in terms of political ,

social and economical after the discoveries . At that time , Europeans started to meet other

people -Americans- . The discoveries is not one of the four modules but it is helpful to build a

framework for European identity . Of course Europe faces with other people – Muslims -

before the discoveries , however it is something that related to religion , it will be explained

below , later . Meeting the American people , helps Europeans to question themselves about

their identity , in this way : Thinking on the concept of ‘otherness’
Besides , he

was one of the pioneers who wants to strenghten their own language . The consciousness of

language also comes with being a ‘nation’ . Not going on details , Martin luther also gives

stimulus for Reform , and Reform changes the map of Europe in religious terms . It divides

the continent North and South , East and West more clearly in ideologic way . That is to

say, the divergence which comes with religion also gives a way to being a nation in that

domain .

Since 7th century , Christianity stands for a power which is untouchable , and it keeps

its’ situation getting stronger by time . Up to Enlightenment , the quest for religion opens a

new street in the way of being a nation . However , Being against to a Christian community

becomes dominant idea in 18th century . Writing in 1751 , Voltaire described Europe as :

a kind of great republic divided into several states , some monarchical , the others mixed …

but all corresponding with one another . They all have the same religious foundation , even if

divided into several confessions . They all have the same principle of public law and politics
Eurocentrism is a matter of

position for many of European historians . They give rise to much self-conciousness of

Europeans . So , it boosts the European identity . From that day on , that boost not directly

but deeply composes today’s European identity .In 1992 , Europe countries signed the

Maastricht Treaty , which it secured the political and economic unity of the continent . Not

certainly but possibly , the one can say that Eurocentrism becomes a solid bridge for Europe

unity in legal ways from past and through today . Before mentioning that in a detailed way ,

we have just one module to argue in the way of European identity : French Revolution .

French Revolution , is beginning for nationalism . With the help of Enlightenment ,

Europe became more secular in the 18th century , religious links between nations got

weaken . Voltaire ‘ s offer for religion is civic religion – nationalism . At that time ,

nationalism was on the side of revolutonaires , and nationalism made the revolution ;

revolution created the nationalism . This conciousness of being a nation , makes Europe