Final answer:
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, what it meant to be an American was shaped by Manifest Destiny, the consumer culture of the middle class, and the challenges of a diverse society facing rapid urbanization and industrialization. Political, cultural, and economic influences all contributed to the evolving American identity, while nativism and debates on democracy and equality underscored the era's social complexities.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the definition of what it meant to be an American was largely influenced by a mix of political leaders, cultural norms, and economic developments. Central to this was the notion of Manifest Destiny, the belief that the expansion of the United States was both justifiable and inevitable. By the 1890s, American expansion can be seen as a continuation of this idea as the nation acquired new territories and sought to spread its influence abroad.
The era's emergent consumer culture and the rise of a middle-class society also played pivotal roles in shaping American identity. This culture prioritized leisure, consumption, and economic opportunity, which were reflections of American prosperity and technological progress. However, this era was not without its tensions, particularly in the realm of immigration and evolving social demographics. As immigrants from eastern and southern Europe arrived, nativist sentiments arose among native-born Americans, who feared the loss of traditional Protestant values and a homogeneous society.
In the midst of this social transformation, the United States grappled with issues of equality and democracy as it transitioned from a collection of former colonies to a unified nation-state. While America thrived on the economic front, creating unparalleled opportunities for its citizens without regard to race or class, it also faced challenges in integrating a diverse population and managing the societal shifts brought about by urbanization and industrialization.