Foundational Period

Do you think we both know what the Foundational Era is? Well, to start, the Foundational Era of American Literature started around the 10,000 B.C. to the mid-1700s. During the foundations, the Puritans had left England and had come to America Plymouth, Massachusetts. Which would eventually lead to The Declaration of Independence and the American Revolution. Puritan writers used the Bible as a model and preferred simple and plain style of writings. Also, during this era, Native Americans were around and were creating rich verbal traditions that had included myths, songs, epics, and chants. Their stories were told in hundreds of different languages that mainly focused on the natural world and moral lessons. In 1620-1647, William Bradford wrote the short story: “Of Plymouth Plantation.” A famous poet Anne Bradstreet who was also the first poet in America and one of her most famous poems was written in 1678 and was titled “To My Dear and Loving Husband.” Another short story published during the foundations is written by Benjamin Franklin and he published it in 1732, “Poor Richard’s Almanack.” Also, during this time the colonist are battling the British in the Revolutionary War and this event begun in 1775 and went to 1783. Lastly, the American character has been shaped by the moral, ethical, and religious beliefs of the Puritans. Many people from the past, feel that the Puritan idea of thrift, hard work, and independence contributed to the success of capitalism in the New World.