The spelling of "early American" uses the standard English alphabet, but the pronunciation can vary based on the choice of accent or dialect. In general, the "ea" in "early" is pronounced like "ur" in "fur" or "er" in "her," while the "a" in "American" is pronounced like "ay" in "bay" or "hey." The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) phonetic transcription for this word is /ˈɜrli əˈmɛrəkən/. This pronunciation may differ slightly depending on the speaker's native language or regional accent.
Early American refers to the time period and the historical and cultural aspects associated with the earliest period of American history. The term typically encompasses the years spanning from the arrival of European settlers in the Americas in the late 15th century until the early 19th century when the United States began to assert its independence and establish its own identity.
Early American history is characterized by the exploration and colonization efforts of European countries, primarily England, Spain, France, and the Netherlands. This period witnessed significant events such as the establishment of the first English settlement at Jamestown in 1607, the founding of Plymouth Colony by the Pilgrims in 1620, and the eventual formation of the 13 British colonies along the eastern coastline.
Early American culture was shaped by a blend of European traditions and the diverse indigenous cultures present in the Americas at the time. It encompasses various aspects such as architecture, art, literature, religion, and social and political developments. Early American literature, for example, includes works by prominent figures like William Bradford, Anne Bradstreet, and Jonathan Edwards, highlighting the struggles and experiences of the early settlers.
Furthermore, the early American period witnessed pivotal events leading up to the American Revolution, including the French and Indian War and the increasing tensions between the colonies and the British Empire. This era encompasses the intellectual and philosophical ideas that influenced the founding fathers of the United States in drafting the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
In summary, the term "early American" refers to the historical period from the arrival of European settlers in the Americas to the time when the United States began to emerge as an independent nation. It encompasses the exploration, settlement, cultural blending, and early political developments that shaped the foundation of the United States.
The term "Early American" is typically used to refer to the period in American history from the first European settlements in the late 16th century until the late 18th century, when the United States was still under colonial rule.
The etymology of the phrase can be broken down into two components:
1. Early: The word "early" originated from the Old English word "eorlīce", which meant "before others in time" or "at or near the beginning". It evolved through Middle English and came to have the modern meaning of "occurring or situated near the beginning of a particular period".
2. American: The term "American" is derived from the name of Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci, who was one of the first to speculate and confirm that the lands discovered by Christopher Columbus were indeed part of a new continent, separate from Asia.