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American Individualism

It is sometimes hard to determine early American literature from European literature. American literature begins to become distinct from European literature as the American Revolution becomes more imminent. Writers such as Hector St. John de Crevecouer and Henry David Thoreau illustrate these changes of American thought and America's place in world politics. American citizens develop a sense of individualism which is unique to Americans. The early writers of American literature illustrate the transformation from European settlers to America citizens.
American government and political theory is based on the writings of John Locke. To understand the formation of Americans it must be understood that the application of Locke's theory were quite unique and radical, something that America would prove to be in its early existence. Locke provides our Forefathers with terms such as "certain unalienable rights, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
The fact that Locke is an intricle part of America is symbolic to America itself. The theories and writings of Locke were radical of the time and were simply theories. Americans show their ability to shake off tradition. This is a common theme in early American literature.
In 1782 Crevecouer writes about his observations of American society. It is clear to him that there is something distinctly different about Americans. He begins be describing land ownership and compares it to European ways. He goes on to say that in America "there are no aristocratical families, no courts, no kings, no bishops, no ecclesiastical dominion…" and continues to describe the old world of Europe being rules by kings. Crevecouer even echoes Locke in an indirect way, "Here man is free as he ought to be…" Obviously these things are distinctly different from the lifestyles in Europe or Crevercouer would no mention them.
Another thing that makes America unique that Crevercouer brings up is that America is a sort of melting pot of many...