Essay
“What Is an American?”
By: Michel-Guillaume Jean De Crevecoeur
Thematic Link
 Writing around the time of the Revolution, de
Crevecoeur describes America as a refuge for
people who were poor and oppressed in Europe.
 In America, people of all ethnic backgrounds
can prosper and enjoy their natural right to be
free. They can work hard and enjoy freedom,
opportunities, prosperity, and new ideas.
 Written in the 1700’s, at a time when many
people were leaving Europe to make new lives
for themselves in America.
Reading and Analyzing
 Literary Analysis: Theme
 According to de Crevecoeur the poor in Europe
are affected by the hardships in their lives by:


“want, hunger, and war” (pg. 290)
Unable to prosper or feel fully alive and feel no
attachment to their country
 Conditions in America affect the lives of formerly
poor Europeans:

They flourish as citizens of the new country.
Reading and Analyzing
 Active Reading
 Compare/Contrast Structure to convey his
picture of America

First paragraph: Contrasts between Europe and
America
 In Europe the poor have no country because the
countries where they live provide nothing for them.
 By contrast, America provides “new laws, a new
mode of living, a new social system” (pg. 290).
 Able to flourish as citizens in America, whereas in
Europe they wilt and die
Questions-Pg. 293
 1. Impressions of America and Americans from de
Crevecoeur’s essay:
 Characterizes America as a land of freedom and opportunity
for poor and oppressed immigrants.
 Americans are portrayed as ambitious, hardworking people
open to new ideas
 Comprehension Check
 What does Crevecoeur say life was like for the poor of
Europe?

The poor of Europe did not own land, had no political rights, and
were often treated unfairly by those who were rich and powerful.
 According to de Crevecoeur, why should Americans love their
country?

They can own land and support their families; they need not fear
tyranny.
Questions
Pg. 293
 2. What is the main reason de Crevecoeur prefers
America to Europe?
 Economic, social, and religious freedom
 Chances for prosperity
 Exciting new experiences
 Diversity of population
Questions
Pg. 293
 3. Why de Crevecoeur feels that the American must be
a “new man”?
 An American leaves behind “ancient prejudices and
manners” to join a new society, governed by new
principles and new ideas.
 Americans are also “new” because their mixture of
ethnic backgrounds is truly unique.
Questions
Pg. 293
 4. To what extent does de Crevecoeur ‘s definition of
an American still apply today?
 Americans are still known for their ideals of freedom
and individual prosperity and for ethnic diversity.
Writing Option 2 (p. 294)
 Using “What is an American?” as a model, write a
short letter to a friend who lives in another area
defining what it means to be a resident of your area
(Birmingham or the Metro-Detroit Area).