Final answer:
Crevecoeur's definition of an American emphasizes a new identity based on enlightened principles, self-reliance, and a commitment to the common good, rather than past connections to other nations or ethnicities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The definition of an American as presented by the various texts, including those by Crevecoeur, fundamentally revolves around the principles and ideals established during the founding of the United States. Notably, Crevecoeur introduces the concept of an American new man, who is an individual that emerges distinct from European ancestry, not defined by past traditions but by a new set of enlightened principles such as life, liberty, property, and the pursuit of happiness.
This new identity is based on a common willingness to abandon old affiliations and embrace a new community dedicated to the common good, democracy, and the values enshrined in founding documents like the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
The choice to self-identify as simply "American" often comes from a recognition of a complex family tree and the melting pot nature of the country, especially for those who trace their roots far back in America's history and find it illogical to cling to any one of the numerous ethnicities that compose their heritage. In a more modern context, it is a way to acknowledge a shared identity based on democratic values and a commitment to forming "voluntary associations" to solve community problems, as observed by Alexis de Tocqueville.
As the nation continues to evolve, the definition of an American progresses as well, yet remains tethered to the democratic ethos and the ideal of progression towards a more perfect union, as symbolized by the manifest destiny imagery of "American Progress" where America advances with education and communication tools like the telegraph, representing enlightenment and unity.