America in the early 1800s underwent significant change and identity exploration, much like a teen undergoing a growth spurt. The country, which had gained independence in the late 1700s, was still getting established. So what did it mean in the early nineteenth century to be an American? In other words, it involved a healthy dose of discovering the true meaning of "American" as well as a mixture of pride in the country and dreams of westward expansion.
Following the War of 1812, there was a wave of patriotism during this period that contributed to the fortification of the American identity. The notion of manifest destiny began to permeate popular culture, implying that the country's westward expansion was predetermined. But let's also remember that during this time, slavery persisted and Native Americans continued to be treated cruelly, which creates a more nuanced picture of what it meant to be an American at the time.