3.11 Developing an American Identity

10/21/21

Learning Objective: Explain the continuities and changes in American culture from 1754-1800

Theme Focus: American and Regional Culture

National Culture

• The emergence of a unified national culture

• Regional varieties

• National identity expressed through art, literature, and architecture

John Adams for President

• Had been Washington’s VP

• Stepped into Washington’s shoes which no one could fill

• The best chance for a Federalists victory

• Ran against Thomas Jefferson

• Federalists vs Democratic Republican

• Narrow victory for Adams

• Describes as the “crusty New Englander”

Tensions with France

• French mad about Jay’s Treaty

• Adam sent three men to negotiate (X, Y, Z)

• Became known as the XYZ Affair (1797)

• Americans had to bribe the French to even talk, and they accomplished nothing

• America prepared for war

• Hostilities at the sea for 2 years, but no full out war

• Convention of 1800 ended in peace for both America and France