Anglo-Americans Four Elements How They Became Americans

Question

Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries the colonists underwent a gradual transformation---they became less Anglo-American and more uniquely American. Discuss four elements responsible for this slow metamorphosis. (To merely list the elements is not enough, you must show how each is connected to the transformation of the colonists from Anglo-Americans to Americans) Which element do you believe had the greatest impact on the development of a uniqely American culture and society? Why?

 

-Must be 3 paragraphs in length, I am struggling because I cannot find enough information or intelligent ways of replying to this homework essay.

Answer 1

I would start by listing a few of the elements responsible for the transformation.  Perhaps you might discuss the frontier setting, the lack of a settled central government, the necessity for defense against other colonists (From France, Spain, etc.), the different climates, etc.  And then think about how those elements worked together to transform the colonists from England into a "more uniquely American" society.  You could discuss, for example, the need to defend the colonies from Indian attack using uniquely American modes of warfare instead of the professional armies used in England at the time.