Finding Freedom: America's Distinctive Cultural Formation - Hardcover

John Harmon McElroy (author)

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0809315157 ISBN 13: 9780809315154

Publisher: Southern Illinois University Press, 1989

Synopsis

Seeking to determine precisely what it means to be an American, John Harmon McElroy compares the cultural history of the United States with the cultural histories of Brazil, Canada, Europe, and Spanish America.

McElroy demonstrates that American culture is the least European of the four continental cultures developed after 1492. He believes the essential variance stems from the fact that the United States is populated by people and their descendants who chose the United States as home. In contrast, because immigration to Canada, Brazil, and South America was controlled by the European governments, they reflect a stronger European cultural outlook and orientation than the United States.

About this title

About the Author

John Harmon McElroy is Professor of English at the University of Arizona.

Edition details

• Publisher: Southern Illinois University Press
• Publication date: 1989
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0809315157
• ISBN 13: 9780809315154
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 184