Shared Sense

Definition

Shared Sense refers to a collective awareness and understanding among individuals within a community, often relating to common values, beliefs, and cultural practices. In the context of developing an American identity, it reflects how various groups, including colonists and immigrants, began to unify around shared experiences and ideals, fostering a sense of belonging and collective identity amidst diversity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The emergence of a Shared Sense in early America was influenced by common experiences such as the struggle for independence from British rule.
2. Religious movements, such as the Great Awakening, played a significant role in creating a Shared Sense by promoting unity among diverse colonial groups through shared spiritual experiences.
3. Literature and pamphlets circulated during the revolutionary period helped disseminate ideas of freedom and democracy, fostering a collective American identity.
4. Shared Sense often contrasted with regional identities, as different areas of America developed unique cultures while still contributing to an overarching national identity.
5. The concept of Shared Sense was crucial in mobilizing support for revolutionary efforts and establishing a united front against colonial oppression.

Review Questions

• How did events like the Great Awakening contribute to the development of a Shared Sense among colonists?
  • The Great Awakening was pivotal in fostering a Shared Sense among colonists by promoting emotional religious experiences that transcended denominational lines. It encouraged individuals from diverse backgrounds to come together in shared worship and promote values like equality and individualism. This collective spiritual awakening helped forge connections among disparate colonial groups, reinforcing their unity against British oppression.
• Analyze how the circulation of literature during the revolutionary period influenced the Shared Sense among the American colonists.
  • During the revolutionary period, pamphlets and literature played a crucial role in shaping the Shared Sense among American colonists by disseminating revolutionary ideas and ideals. Works like Thomas Paine's 'Common Sense' galvanized public opinion and encouraged colonists to envision themselves as part of a larger struggle for freedom and democracy. This shared engagement with revolutionary texts helped cultivate a sense of solidarity among diverse groups, uniting them in their quest for independence.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of Shared Sense on the formation of American identity post-independence.
  • The concept of Shared Sense significantly influenced the formation of American identity in the years following independence by laying the groundwork for a national narrative centered around common values like liberty, democracy, and individual rights. This collective identity not only fostered unity among Americans but also facilitated the establishment of institutions that reflected these shared ideals. Over time, however, the challenge has been maintaining this Shared Sense amid growing regional differences and cultural diversity, prompting ongoing discussions about what it means to be 'American' in an evolving society.

Related terms

Commonality: The state of sharing features or attributes that unite a group, often leading to a stronger sense of identity.

Cultural Identity: The identity or feeling of belonging to a group that shares the same culture, often defined by language, traditions, and customs.

Nationalism:

A political ideology that emphasizes the interests and culture of a particular nation, often leading to the desire for national independence or unity.