Did Americans talk about being manly in the 1800’s?
They did and faith was very much part of the overall concept of masculinity.
Here are some core qualities that were generally considered essential to manliness.
– Physical strength and prowess: Men were expected to be strong and athletic, and they were often judged on their ability to perform manual labor or engage in physical activities such as hunting, fishing, or boxing.
– Self-reliance and independence: Men were expected to be able to take care of themselves and their families, and they were often judged on their ability to make their own way in the world.
– Courage and bravery: Men were expected to be courageous and brave, and they were often judged on their willingness to stand up for what they believed in, even in the face of danger.
– Honesty and integrity: Men were expected to be honest and have integrity, and they were often judged on their ability to be trusted and relied upon.
– Providing for and protecting their families: Men were expected to be the providers and protectors of their families, and they were often judged on their ability to provide for their wives and children and to keep them safe.
These are just some of the qualities that were generally considered essential to manliness in the 1800s in America.
There are a number of works on this topic from authors from that era. Some of the most famous include:
– “The American Man” by Noah Webster (1828)
– “The Young Man’s Guide to Success” by Samuel Smiles (1859)
– “Manhood in America” by G. Stanley Hall (1904)
– “The Strenuous Life” by Theodore Roosevelt (1900)
These works all offer different perspectives on what it meant to be manly in the 1800s, and they provide a fascinating glimpse into the ideals of masculinity that were prevalent at that time.
Let’s take a closer look at “The American Man” – a short essay by Noah Webster, published in 1828, that outlines his vision of what it means to be a man in the United States. Webster was a lexicographer, a language reformer, and a political activist, and his essay reflects his belief in the importance of education, self-reliance, and civic engagement for American men.
Webster begins by defining the “American man” as “one who is born in America, of parents who were born in America, and who inherits the principles and feelings of an American.” He then goes on to discuss the qualities that he believes are essential to being a true American man.
These qualities include:
– Education: Webster believed that education was essential for the development of a well-rounded man. He argued that education should teach men to think for themselves, to be critical of authority, and to be engaged in the political process.
– Self-reliance: Webster believed that self-reliance was another essential quality for the American man. He argued that men should be able to take care of themselves and their families, and that they should not rely on others for help.
– Civic engagement: Webster believed that civic engagement was also an essential quality for the American man. He argued that men should be involved in their communities and that they should work to make their country a better place.
In addition to these qualities, Webster also argued that the American man should be courageous, honest, and virtuous. He believed that these qualities were essential for the moral and political well-being of the nation.
Here are some additional points that Webster makes in his essay:
– The American man should be a patriot who loves his country and is willing to defend it.
– The American man should be a husband and father who is responsible for his family.
– The American man should be a worker who is productive and contributes to the economy.
– The American man should be a citizen who is involved in the political process and who works to make his country a better place.
Last, but not least, Daniel Webster talks about faith in Christ in “The American Man.” He argues that faith in Christ is essential for the moral and political well-being of the nation. He writes:
“The Christian religion is the foundation of all true liberty, virtue, and happiness. It teaches man to know his duty to God, his neighbor, and himself. It teaches him to be just, honest, and benevolent. It teaches him to be a patriot, a husband, a father, and a citizen. It teaches him to be content with his lot, and to be resigned to the will of God.”
Webster also argues that faith in Christ is essential for the individual man. He writes:
“The Christian religion is the best security for the happiness of the individual. It teaches him to look beyond this world, to the world to come, and to prepare for a happy eternity. It teaches him to bear the ills of this life with patience, and to hope for a better state hereafter.”
Webster’s belief in the importance of faith in Christ was shaped by his own spiritual upbringing. He was raised in a Congregationalist household, and attended Yale University, which was a hotbed of Christian revivalism in the early 19th century. Webster’s faith was also shaped by his own experiences in life. He saw the effects of war, poverty, and political instability, and he believed that faith in Christ was the only thing that could provide true hope and comfort in the face of these challenges.
Webster’s belief in the importance of faith in Christ is reflected in his other writings, including his dictionary and his textbooks. He believed that faith in Christ was essential for the moral and political well-being of the nation, and he worked to promote this belief through his writing and his public speaking.
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Jeff Hagen
President & Founder
Hill Cities, Inc.
