Philanthropy constitutes an integral and important part of American culture, and “the United States probably outstrips all other [countries] in the size and autonomy of its nongovernmental sector” (Gardner ix). Originally, the term ‘Philanthropy’ derives from the Ancient Greek phrase ‘philanthropia’ and means “love to mankind” (“Philanthropy” 1989). Today, the American philanthropic sector is unique in its dimension and organization among all countries in the world and “no other nation manages its religious, cultural, social service, health care, and educational activities in this way” (Hamrack xv). To explore the role of philanthropy in the United States of America, it is necessary to analyze the number of cultural and historical influences and events from which the Philanthropical American Tradition emerged.
Affected by the Native American culture, Puritan beliefs, the Mayflower Compact from 1620 up to the adaption of the democratic U.S. Constitution in 1789 and the phenomena of U.S. patriotism, a rich tradition of philanthropy developed in the USA. By providing the impact of historical events shaping the Philanthropical American Tradition, it is due to the multitude of influences only possible to examine the most important ones in this paper. The impact of these historical influences on the Philanthropical American Tradition will be exposed in consideration of the American culture and character. Finally, against the background of the strong American Philanthropical Tradition, the importance of America’s non-profit sector will be revealed from a historical perspective.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Historical Impacts on the Philanthropical American Tradition
2.1. Native American Philanthropy
2.2. The Mayflower Compact (1620)
2.3. Religious Influences
2.3.1. Puritan Beliefs and Calvinism
2.3.2. Freedom of Religion
2.4. The U.S. Constitution (1789)
2.4.1. Democracy and Philanthropy
2.4.2. Statutory Framework for Philanthropy
2.4.3. Tax Deduction
2.5. U.S. Patriotism
3. American Philanthropy and the National Character
4. Revealing the Philanthropical American Tradition
Objectives and Core Themes
This academic paper examines the historical and cultural roots that have shaped the unique philanthropic tradition in the United States. It explores how a combination of indigenous traditions, religious beliefs, democratic principles, and national identity established a robust non-profit sector that remains central to American society today.
- The influence of Native American cultures of giving on American philanthropic practices.
- The role of the Mayflower Compact and early colonial governance in fostering voluntary associations.
- The impact of Puritanism and Calvinist theology on American charitable values and social responsibility.
- The connection between the U.S. Constitution, democracy, and the encouragement of a non-profit sector.
- The relationship between U.S. patriotism and charitable behavior, particularly during national crises.
Excerpt from the Book
2.1. Native American Philanthropy
"If we are to understand the complex motives and meanings that drive philanthropic behavior across the spectrum of human cultures, Native American cultures of giving offer extraordinarily clear illuminations and insights” (Wells 1). This quotation shows the huge influence of the Native American culture on the Philanthropical American Tradition. The historian Robert Bremner describes the Native Americans “who greeted Columbus at his first landfall in the New World” as “the earliest American philanthropists” (Wells 1). These founders of the Philanthropical American Tradition were “most likely the inhabitants of San Salvador and Hispaniola, who, in 1492, Christopher Columbus observed, were “ingenious and free” with their possessions to his men after landfall” (Kelley 4). The national holiday Thanksgiving, initially celebrated in 1621, is still today a commemoration of early Native American acts of helping and giving towards the early colonists (Kelley 4).
Characterizing Native American philanthropy, Roland Austin Wells states that in native cultures philanthropy means the “honor of giving” (39). In this sense Sherry Salway Black sees Native philanthropy as a “tradition of sharing and honoring, which is a question of mutual responsibility. To share wealth is a responsibility of every caring member of a community” (Newman 42). This tradition of giving as a form of sharing is based on both the honor of giving and receiving, which means that “the beneficiary [of the gift] is expected also to give, not necessarily back, but on, so the gift is always alive” (Wells 36). Thus, the “Native worldview of giving away one's wealth as a benefit to others has historically helped […] to maintain harmony and economic balance […] [and] has exemplified Native respect for nature and the commitment to future generations” (Wisdom 3).
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: Outlines the significance of the American philanthropic sector and establishes the research focus on the historical influences that shaped it.
2. Historical Impacts on the Philanthropical American Tradition: Analyzes foundational elements including Native American traditions, colonial covenants, religious beliefs, and legal frameworks that established a culture of giving.
3. American Philanthropy and the National Character: Discusses how philanthropic practices are deeply woven into the American national identity and social structure.
4. Revealing the Philanthropical American Tradition: Synthesizes the historical and cultural findings to illustrate why the non-profit sector remains a vital, defining feature of American democracy.
Keywords
Philanthropy, American Tradition, Non-profit sector, History, Native American, Mayflower Compact, Puritanism, Calvinism, U.S. Constitution, Democracy, Patriotism, National Character, Voluntary associations, Civic participation, Social responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary subject of this paper?
The paper explores the historical and cultural factors that have created the distinct and robust philanthropic tradition observed in the United States.
What are the central themes discussed in the work?
The central themes include the origins of giving in Native American culture, the impact of religious beliefs (specifically Puritanism), the role of the U.S. Constitution, and the intersection of patriotism with charitable action.
What is the primary goal of the author?
The goal is to analyze how historical and cultural events have shaped the Philanthropical American Tradition, thereby explaining why the U.S. possesses such a unique and large non-profit sector.
Which scientific approach does the author use?
The author employs a historical-analytical approach, reviewing academic literature and primary historical documents to trace the development of philanthropic values in American society.
What is the main focus of the main section?
The main section investigates specific historical influences, such as the Mayflower Compact, Calvinist influence on social obligation, constitutional legal protections for non-profits, and the link between American democratic values and individual philanthropic effort.
Which keywords best characterize this research?
The work is characterized by terms such as Philanthropy, American Tradition, Non-profit sector, National Character, and Civic participation.
How did the Mayflower Compact influence philanthropy?
The Mayflower Compact fostered an early tradition of voluntary associations working for the "general good," creating a precedent for community-led support that persists in modern non-profits.
What connection does the author make between Calvinism and philanthropy?
The author highlights how Calvinist theology emphasized a "Christian vocation" of social obligation, where wealthy individuals view themselves as stewards of their assets for the benefit of society.
How does U.S. patriotism interact with charitable giving?
Patriotism encourages citizens to take personal responsibility for the welfare of their country and community, leading to increased voluntary and financial support, especially during times of national crisis.
What role does the U.S. Constitution play in this context?
The Constitution provides the legal framework—such as the First Amendment’s guarantee of free assembly—that allows non-profit organizations to thrive as an "independent sector" separate from the government.
- Quote paper
- Stephan Katzbichler (Author), 2012, Historical Impacts on the Philanthropical American Tradition, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/262272
