CS - Historical determinants influencing sport in the USA

Question 1

Isolation policy

Answer 1

This policy fulfilled the desire of the USA for separation from the UK and Europe. The United States was determined to stand alone and sever connections with its colonial history.

Question 2

Frontier

Answer 2

The frontier was the temporary boundary which marked the extent of Western expansion into country that was often hostile. Frontierism refers to the spirit of toughness, ruggedness and independence in the face of adversity.

Question 3

Cult of manliness

Answer 3

Writers, educators and national leaders expressed concern that traditional, masculine ‘frontier’ characteristics would disappear in an increasingly urban society. Sport was the vehicle through which courage, ruggedness and hardiness could be endorsed.

Question 4

The process of becoming an American by accepting the culture and traditions of the USA. This is referred to later as assimilation.

Answer 4

Americanised

Question 5

American dream

Answer 5

The belief that all people are equal in terms of opportunity and that regardless of background it is, through hard work, possible to succeed in the USA. It is the keystone of modern American culture.

Question 6

The process whereby a country is taken over by another more dominant country.

Answer 6

Colonisation.

Question 7

Refers to a sport being put to one side and rejected by the mainstream culture.

Answer 7

Marginalised.

Question 8

Term given to the United States of America in the period after the Declaration of Independence (1776). The term became associated with optimism and the notion of a land of opportunity.

Answer 8

New world.