Final answer:
Emerson encouraged intellectual independence from societal norms and Harvard's intellectualism, which led to the inception of the transcendentalist movement. He shaped American culture by underscoring self-reliance, individuality, and the importance of a spiritual connection with nature.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ralph Waldo Emerson called for intellectual independence from the established norms of society and academia, particularly the intellectualism at Harvard and the doctrine of the Unitarian Church. This call resulted in the establishment of the transcendentalist movement, which emphasized individuality, self-reliance, and a deeper spiritual connection with nature. Emerson, through his essay 'Nature' and his speech 'The American Scholar', became a leading figure in this movement, advocating that individuals should not conform to the pressures of society but instead think and live autonomously.
Emerson's transcendentalist ideas inspired a generation to reevaluate their relationship with the divine and the natural world, leading to a cultural movement that celebrated the individual over the collective. His emphasis on self-reliance and the inherent goodness of people contributed significantly to American ideals of freedom and optimism. Moreover, these ideas influenced various spheres of American life, from literature and philosophy to social reform movements like abolitionism and women's rights.