The Role Of European Americans In The 19th Century

1626 Words4 Pages

19th century Americans in Europe Traveling in foreign lands often underlines the characteristics of Americans no matter the decade. Americans in the 19th century portray a nationalistic tendency towards European and American comparisons. Although most of the early travelers in the 19th century are elites by the end of the century middle class Americans could also travel to Europe. The switch from solely upper class travelers to the addition of the middle-class changes how travelers visit Europe. A major theme of American travels in Europe is the examination of European culture and how it could promote American culture. Often the European continent would promote an extended stay within its many countries forming colonies of Americans within cities like Paris and Dresden. Throughout Europe Americans had similar experiences that is often influenced by travel guides and dairies. Although many Americans had similar experiences, they all differed slightly due to differences in gender, social class, location, and time period. Americans traveling in Europe during the 19th century aimed at learning, exploring, and improving themselves and their country. Nationalism is critical to understand when discussing 19th century …show more content…

American events can influence how they look at each other, Europe, or specific continents. The American Civil War and the events preceding, affected how Americans overseas immensely. When meeting other Americans in Europe, it was unspoken that arguing about events back home was unacceptable. Overseas Americans were more focused on the American egalitarian myth, therefore they had to promote a united American image. On an individual level, travelers from the American South felt demonized by the politics discussed overseas. Alternatively, Americans from the North felt like they had to protect the reputation of the United

Open Document