Encounters between European navigators, explorers, conquerors, colonizers, merchants, missionaries and "other" peoples and cultures over the course of 4 centuries. At an immediate and practical level, conquest, colonization and trade led to modes of domination or coexistence and multi-faceted transcultural relationships. In Europe, such encounters with "otherness" led to attempts to explain and interpret the origins and nature of racial and cultural (linguistic, religious and social) diversity. At the same time, observation of alien societies, cultures and religious practices broadened the debate on human social forms, leading to a critical reappraisal of European Christian civilization.
Republican motherhood
Republican motherhood became the new role for women following the American Revolution. This gave women a specific place in society which gave them the duty to have American children and raise them morally and with good civic values.
Though this may seem like a slight to women when some wanted rights in particular the right to vote, it was a privilege for many women. This duty gave women their role in society that men could not intrude on or take away. The two genders were given very specific and separate roles for the new society. Men were responsible for making money and establishing an economy in addition to participating in government. Women were expected to take care of social and cultural concerns in particular raising children and teaching them morality, reading, writing, and civics. This role was critical to maintaining and continuing the revolutionary ideas and spirit. It would be women who taught and carried on the identity associated with Americanism.
