American in Europe as Portrayed in American Literature of Late Nineteenth and Early Twentieth Centuries.

摘要

Many Americans in their personal interactions with Europeans become aware of fundamental differences of perception between Americans and Europeans. This attitude ultimately surfaces in international relations. For example, during recent NATO conferences, countries like France and West Germany have expressed their concern that America is heavy handed when independently establishing policies that affect the rest of the world. This underlying tension that exists between these allies can be traced back to the late 1800's. It was during this age that America began to establish itself as a major economic and political world power. Desiring acceptance by the old world, many wealthy Americans journeyed to Europe to try to assimilate European culture and mores into their own developing national identity. Many Europeans did not want to acknowledge the rise of the new power and, perhaps as a result of this found Americans naive and socially ignorant. Many books written by Americans during this era focused on the reality of the American in Europe. (sdw)