American Nations⁚ A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures of North America
American Nations⁚ A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures of North America is an American non-fiction book written by Colin Woodard and published in 2011․ Woodard proposes a framework for examining American history and current events based on a view of the country as a federation of eleven nations, each defined by a shared culture established by each nations founding population․
Introduction
In “American Nations⁚ A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures of North America,” Colin Woodard delves into the intricate tapestry of cultural and political identities that have shaped the United States․ Challenging the monolithic narrative of a unified national identity, Woodard unveils a fascinating framework for understanding American history and current events, proposing that the nation is not a cohesive whole, but rather a federation of eleven distinct “nations,” each with its own unique historical roots, values, attitudes, and perspectives․ Woodard argues that these regional cultures, shaped by the earliest settlers, continue to exert a powerful influence on American politics, social dynamics, and even the way we perceive ourselves and our fellow citizens․ This book is a testament to the enduring power of culture and its influence on the course of history․
The Eleven Nations
Woodard identifies eleven distinct “nations” across North America, each with its own unique cultural heritage⁚ Yankeedom, New Netherland, the Midlands, Tidewater, the Deep South, Greater Appalachia, the Far West, El Norte, the Left Coast, First Nation, and the Founding French․ These “nations” are not defined by state boundaries but by shared cultural values, historical origins, and social norms that have evolved over centuries․ Each nation’s distinct identity is rooted in the specific groups of European settlers who first established themselves in these regions․ This diverse array of cultural influences has contributed to the complex and often contradictory nature of American identity․ Woodard’s framework provides a lens through which to understand the enduring regional differences that continue to shape the political landscape, social attitudes, and cultural expressions of North America․
Yankeedom
Yankeedom, according to Woodard, encompasses the region of New England, encompassing the states of Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut․ This “nation” is characterized by its strong Puritan roots, emphasizing education, civic engagement, and a commitment to social justice․ Yankeedom’s cultural identity is deeply intertwined with the ideals of self-reliance, hard work, and a belief in progress․ The region’s history is marked by a strong emphasis on education and a commitment to public service, with a strong sense of community and civic responsibility․ Yankeedom’s influence extends beyond its geographical borders, shaping the values and attitudes of many Americans, particularly in the Northeast and Midwest․ Woodard argues that Yankeedom’s values have played a significant role in shaping American political and cultural discourse, promoting a sense of national unity while also contributing to the ongoing tensions between different regions of the country․
New Netherland
New Netherland, as described by Woodard, encompasses a region stretching from the Hudson River Valley in New York to parts of New Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania․ This “nation” is characterized by its Dutch origins, with a strong emphasis on commerce, tolerance, and a pragmatic approach to life․ Its history is intertwined with the Dutch West India Company, which established settlements in the region in the 17th century․ New Netherland, with its diverse population of Dutch, French, German, and African settlers, fostered a culture of tolerance and inclusivity, though with a history of complex racial dynamics․ This “nation” also developed a strong entrepreneurial spirit, valuing pragmatism and economic success․ Woodard highlights how New Netherland’s influence, despite its relatively small size, has shaped American values, contributing to the nation’s diverse cultural tapestry and promoting a spirit of entrepreneurship and tolerance․
The Midlands
The Midlands, as defined by Woodard, encompasses a vast region stretching from the Ohio River Valley to the Great Lakes, including parts of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin․ This “nation” is distinguished by its diverse origins, with settlers drawn from various parts of England, Germany, and Scandinavia, creating a unique cultural blend․ The Midlands’ history is characterized by a strong work ethic, a focus on community, and a pragmatic approach to life․ This region embraces a strong sense of individualism, valuing self-reliance and hard work․ Woodard argues that the Midlands, with its strong sense of community and commitment to hard work, has played a crucial role in shaping American values, particularly in the Midwest and beyond․ Its legacy is evident in the region’s economic vitality and its contributions to American industry and agriculture․ The Midlands, with its diverse population and enduring values, continues to be a vital part of the American story․
Tidewater
Tidewater, according to Woodard, is a distinct cultural region encompassing the coastal plain of the southeastern United States, stretching from Virginia to North Carolina․ Its history is deeply rooted in the English aristocracy, characterized by a strong sense of tradition, social hierarchy, and a focus on land ownership․ The region’s economy was initially built on tobacco cultivation, which led to the development of a planter class that dominated the social and political landscape․ Tidewater’s culture is marked by a strong emphasis on honor, social grace, and a deep connection to the land․ This region’s unique blend of English heritage, aristocratic values, and a strong sense of place has shaped its political and social landscape, contributing to its influence on Southern culture and its role in American history․
The Deep South
The Deep South, as defined by Woodard, encompasses the states of Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and South Carolina, along with portions of Florida, Louisiana, and North Carolina․ Its cultural roots lie in the plantation economy of the pre-Civil War era, where a system of forced labor based on African slavery dominated the region’s social and economic structures․ This history has profoundly influenced the Deep South’s cultural identity, shaping its distinctive music, cuisine, and social customs․ The region’s strong sense of individualism, combined with a deep-seated belief in personal honor and a commitment to traditional values, has shaped its political and social outlook․ The Deep South’s unique cultural heritage continues to influence its place in American society and its ongoing dialogue about race, identity, and the legacy of slavery․
Greater Appalachia
Greater Appalachia, as envisioned by Woodard, stretches across a vast swathe of territory encompassing portions of 13 states, including West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, and parts of Alabama, Georgia, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio, New York, and even a sliver of Missouri․ Its cultural origins are rooted in the Scots-Irish settlers who arrived in the region during the 18th century, bringing with them a distinctive cultural heritage that included a strong sense of independence, a deep-seated suspicion of authority, and a belief in self-reliance․ This cultural legacy has shaped the region’s distinctive music, folklore, and social values․ Greater Appalachia has long been a region of economic hardship and social challenges, marked by poverty, unemployment, and a history of labor struggles․ The region’s cultural identity has been further shaped by its unique geography, with its rugged mountains and isolated valleys fostering a sense of community and a strong attachment to the land․
The Far West
The Far West, as defined by Woodard, encompasses the expansive territories west of the Mississippi River, stretching from the Great Plains to the Pacific Coast; This region, he argues, is a cultural mosaic, shaped by the diverse waves of settlers who ventured westward in search of new opportunities and a fresh start․ The Far West’s cultural tapestry is woven from threads of Anglo-American pioneers, Hispanic settlers, Native American tribes, and Asian immigrants, each contributing their unique traditions and perspectives․ This cultural diversity is reflected in the region’s cuisine, music, art, and social values․ The Far West is also characterized by a strong sense of individualism and a pioneering spirit, fostered by the challenges of frontier life․ The region’s vast landscapes and natural resources have also shaped its cultural identity, with a deep appreciation for the outdoors and a commitment to environmental stewardship․
El Norte
El Norte, according to Woodard, encompasses the southwestern United States, a region deeply influenced by its historical and cultural ties to Mexico․ This region’s unique identity is shaped by its Spanish colonial heritage, a blend of Native American traditions, and the ongoing flow of Mexican culture and immigration․ El Norte’s cultural landscape is marked by vibrant traditions of music, dance, and cuisine, reflecting a fusion of Spanish, Mexican, and Native American influences․ The region also exhibits a strong sense of community and family, rooted in its history of communal living and shared experiences․ El Norte’s cultural identity is further defined by its commitment to social justice, a legacy of its struggle for civil rights and its ongoing fight for the rights of immigrants․ This region’s cultural landscape, a tapestry woven from diverse threads, underscores the enduring power of cultural exchange and the complexities of identity in a borderland region․
The Left Coast
The Left Coast, encompassing California, Oregon, and Washington, is characterized by a distinct cultural identity shaped by a confluence of factors, including its geographic location, its history of westward expansion, and its role as a hub of innovation and social change․ The region’s cultural landscape is marked by a spirit of individualism and a strong emphasis on environmentalism, rooted in its proximity to the Pacific Ocean and its diverse natural landscapes․ The Left Coast is also known for its progressive political leanings, a reflection of its history as a haven for artists, intellectuals, and social activists․ Its cultural identity is further defined by its embrace of multiculturalism, a result of its diverse population and its role as a gateway to Asia․ The Left Coast’s vibrant cultural tapestry, a blend of creativity, environmental consciousness, and progressive values, reflects its unique position as a bridge between the Pacific Rim and the American heartland․
Woodard’s “American Nations” offers a compelling and thought-provoking analysis of the complex tapestry of cultures that have shaped North America․ By examining the distinct origins, values, and historical experiences of each of the eleven nations, Woodard provides a framework for understanding the enduring regional differences that continue to influence American politics, society, and culture․ His work challenges the traditional narrative of a unified American identity, highlighting the importance of recognizing the diverse and often conflicting forces that have shaped the nation’s history․ Woodard’s insights offer a valuable perspective on the complexities of American identity and the enduring influence of regional cultures on the nation’s development․