Consider what you have learned about American history during the period of 1820 to 1864. How do the stories in the American Romanticism reflect what was going on in the country then?

Answer 1

During the period of 1820 to 1864, the United States underwent significant changes, including social, political, and economic transformations. American Romanticism, a literary and artistic movement that flourished during this time, reflected and responded to these changes in various ways. The stories of American Romanticism often addressed the changing society, expanding territorial boundaries, conflicts, and the search for American identity.

One major theme in American Romanticism was individualism and the exploration of one's identity. This reflected the spirit of the time, as the country was rapidly expanding westward with the belief in Manifest Destiny. During this period, the United States acquired vast territories, such as the Louisiana Purchase and the Mexican Cession, increasing opportunities for individuals to explore and settle new lands. American Romantic writers, such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, emphasized the importance of individual experience and intuition, encouraging self-reliance and self-discovery. Their works, like Emerson's essay "Self-Reliance" and Thoreau's book "Walden," celebrated the individual's connection with nature and his ability to find meaning and truth in personal experiences.

Another prominent theme in American Romanticism was nostalgia for the past and a desire to preserve traditional values. This reflected society's reaction to the rapid industrialization, urbanization, and social changes taking place during this period. As cities grew and technology advanced, many Americans longed for simpler, pre-industrial times. Writers such as Washington Irving and Nathaniel Hawthorne explored the tension between a changing society and an idealized past through their stories. Irving's "Rip Van Winkle" and Hawthorne's "The Scarlet Letter" depicted characters who were out of place in rapidly changing societies, trying to hold onto traditional values and struggling with the consequences of their actions.

Furthermore, slavery and the issue of national unity were central concerns during this time, leading to the eruption of the Civil War in 1861. American Romantic writers, such as Harriet Beecher Stowe and Frederick Douglass, addressed the issue of slavery through their works. Stowe's novel "Uncle Tom's Cabin" played a significant role in shaping public opinion against slavery, while Douglass' autobiography "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave" shed light on the brutal realities of slavery, contributing to the abolitionist movement. These works reflected the deep divisions and moral conflicts present in the country, highlighting the struggle for freedom, justice, and equality.

In summary, American Romanticism reflected the changing landscape of the United States during the period of 1820 to 1864. The movement explored themes such as individualism, the search for identity, nostalgia for the past, and the issues of slavery and national unity. These stories provided a response to societal transformations, capturing the spirit of the time and reflecting the hopes, fears, and conflicts that defined American society during this period.