Was America founded on individualism or is that just false revisionism invented by the Frontier Thesis and later reinforced by the Cold War?

[Ad_Quid_Orator]

Of many one

[DaveJord]

Frist off... Individualism is different from Natural Rights and Individual rights.

So NO the country was NOT founded on the theory of individualism, because the theory was not even termed as such until 1820 or so.

But there were some individualist principles baked into the mix at the founding as far Social Contract theory goes. Which basically was society and government would protect your individual rights, by allowing everyone equal protection of their freedoms under law in exchange basically to compete for prosperity with very limited goverment.

But obviously the deck was stacked from the start, to ensure to disproportionately protect the rights of the minority classes against majority... which in 1791 the minority class was wealthy landed gentry. NO not white people in general... but really rich ones.

So the concept of individualism cane around, to promote the believe individuals should not rely on government within a free society to provide something, that one can not provide for themselves. Which was again a tool of manipulation that corrupted the basic principle of tge original theory, to basically confence that masses that its up to them, not the wealthy.

Which is all fine and good... but in todays America we are taxed on the same dollar three to six different times and ways every time we turn around, they tighten the noose on the working classes to benefit the wealthy "landed Gentry"... so we rely on government more then ever before. But again government, its not a representive body of the people... it is has its always has been. Corrupted by the greed and wealth of the true minority class... the rich and powerful.

So individualism is a false theory in general because it was impractical then as it is now.

[NathanDavis]

government and individualism... yeah, that sounds legit

[purplepoppy]

Weren't the first Americans religious fanatics that left Europe because it was too liberals and tolerant? Hardly an example of individualism and more of forced conformity.

[Slingblade1126]

I don't know where you learned U. S history but the creation of the country had very little to do with "religious fanatics".

[bean2k21]

@Slingblade1126 It's just weird British humor. She knows damn well people left England because they hated the weather.

[DaveJord]

@bean2k21 😆 🤣 😂

[DaveJord]

@purplepoppy Yes, the first colonies in America were religious fanatics. France and England didn't have much interest in colonies in the New World in general, other than to exploit resources.

But the Puritans were the first real colonist, and they were religious zealots. The English Crown gave then license to colonize in the New World because they were being a pain in the ass and the Brits wanted to be rid of them.

[exitseven]

American are unique in that they have grown up with a level of freedom most people never experience. Americans are able to think outside the box and this is why a large percentage of innovation comes from the US.

[Sargentcaptain]

'is the sky blue, or is that just cold war propaganda?'

[OddBeMe]

it was founded as a govt. but has more rights for individuals than most others. But saying its "founded" on this or that doesn't mean shit.

[fireforeffect]

No, the United States was founded on a desire to be free; Free from Government intervention and interference. Free to worship a Christain God as each saw fit.

[disgustingweebtrash]

You deserve the inevitable boot you will not lick but suck on

[EnglishEuropean]

Yes Americans have always been individualists. That's why they don't have a functioning society.

[MrSmithee]

no...