Consider what you have learned about American history during the period of 1820 to 1864. How do the stories in American Romanticism reflect what was going on in the country then?
Short answer
American Romanticism, a literary and artistic movement that emerged in the early 19th century, reflected the cultural and social changes happening in the United States between 1820 and 1864. This period was marked by rapid industrialization, westward expansion, and the ongoing debate over slavery.
In American Romanticism, there is a strong emphasis on individualism, imagination, and the power of nature. These themes resonated with the American people who were grappling with the changing society around them. As the country expanded, people began to feel a sense of displacement and loss of connection to the natural world. Romantic literature and art sought to address these feelings and offer a sense of solace and escape.
Furthermore, the Romantic movement celebrated the untamed and wild aspects of nature, which mirrored the country's westward expansion and the notion of Manifest Destiny. Americans were captivated by the idea of taming the wilderness and creating a new, ideal society. Romantic works like James Fenimore Cooper's "The Last of the Mohicans" and Henry David Thoreau's "Walden" both depict the beauty and harshness of nature, while also exploring the relationship between humans and their environment.
Another important aspect of American Romanticism is its focus on the individual and personal freedom. This resonated with the growing desire for independence and self-determination among Americans during this period. With the escalating debate over slavery, the concept of personal freedom became even more significant. Authors like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow celebrated the individual's ability to transcend societal constraints, a sentiment that echoed the fight against slavery and the quest for individual liberty and equality.
In summary, American Romanticism reflected the cultural and social changes occurring in the United States between 1820 and 1864. The movement's emphasis on individualism, the power of nature, and personal freedom mirrored the country's westward expansion, industrialization, and the ongoing debate over slavery.