Many American writers chose to live in Europe during the late 19th and early 20th centuries for a variety of reasons. One of the main reasons was the cultural and intellectual vibrancy of Europe during that time, which provided opportunities for writers to engage with new ideas, artistic movements, and literary communities. Additionally, Europe offered a degree of personal and artistic freedom that was often lacking in the more conservative and restrictive social climate of America at the time.
Many American writers also sought to escape the materialism, conformity, and social inequality that they perceived in American society. They were drawn to the intellectual and artistic freedom of Europe, where they could explore new ideas and experiment with new literary forms without fear of censorship or social disapproval. Some writers also sought to distance themselves from the political and economic turmoil of America during this time, such as the Great Depression and the rise of fascism in Europe.
Overall, American writers who chose to live in Europe during this time were seeking to escape the limitations and restrictions of American society and find new opportunities for personal and artistic growth.