1. American Romanticism 1800-1855
Are You a Romantic?
American Romanticism

2. Do you have a Spirit of Adventure?
Romantic Ideals
Do you have a Spirit of Adventure?
“Manifest Destiny” – The notion that the USA would “fill” the borders between Canada and Mexico, and between the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean
The Industrial Revolution – Changing from an Agrarian Society to an Industrial Economy & Society

3. Are you a Social Reformist?
Romantic Ideals
Are you a Social Reformist?
Abolitionists advocated for anti-slavery movements and laws
Emancipation for blacks, women, minorities
Workers unions
Voting rights

4. Romantic Ideals Are you a Nationalist?
Our national interests more important than those of other countries
Our regional interests more important than those of the union [Sectionalism divided the nation prior to the Civil War]

5. Is Nature Your Inspiration?
Romantic Ideals
Is Nature Your Inspiration?
Durand’s painting (pg 300)
Writing
Celebration of nature as power and comfort
Celebration of the Pioneer Spirit
Celebration of the Common Man

6. Are you a Transcendentalist?
Romantic Ideals
Are you a Transcendentalist?
Follow individual beliefs (rather than the crowd)
Have faith in individual integrity
Honor individual choice
Critique materialism & rigid obedience to law
Optimistic belief in progress of mankind

7. Is there a “Dark” side in you?
Romantic Ideals
Is there a “Dark” side in you?
American Gothic
Grotesque characters
Bizarre situations
Violence
Imagination free from restriction
Fascination with the irrational

8. So, Where Are You?
Write about your Romantic (or non-Romantic) sides. Explore the concepts we have just discussed. Give examples that are specific and personal. Write in complete paragraphs. Write coherently. Remember: Beginning, Middle, End. The focusing question is this: Are You a Romantic?