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
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