Americans, U.S. in France

Introduction / History

The American people group is the second largest worldwide and therefore diverse in its ethnic expressions. Only the Han Chinese, Mandarin in China is larger. Understanding the modern American people group starts with knowing how its unique melding of nationalities, ethnicities and races made it what it is today.

Rising from the original thirteen British colonies, the United States (US) declared independence from Great Britain in 1776. By 1776, people of English, Irish or Scottish descent mostly inhabited the colonies, though Native Americans and African slaves were severely mistreated at this time and were not considered citizens. After independence, immigration from other European countries such as Germany and Italy increased. As the US quickly expanded its geographic borders during the 19th century, newly arriving immigrants tended to settle in cities and towns founded by others from their home country. Today, remnants of this can be seen from the Irish influences in Boston, Massachusetts to the German towns of South Texas and throughout the country. The variety of ethnic groups and vast geographic area Americans cover makes defining this people group difficult.

Americans move to various European countries including Greece, Spain, France, the Netherlands and England. Those in France are usually found in Paris.

American artists and writers have been drawn to France since the early 19th century. African-American servicemen in WWI moved to France after the war, seeking a homeland where they would be welcomed and have opportunities. More Americans came after WWII.

What Are Their Lives Like?

There is still an American colony of artists in Paris. Americans often live in France because of a work assignment or they come to study.

Americans have a more individualistic than group mentality. Typically, individual achievement is valued over brining honor to one's family. Most American couples live together before they are married and more than half of children are born to parents who are not married. Americans in France have trouble with the more conservative, rigid school system.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Secularism has affected American thought. A high percentage of Americans in France are either secularized or they do not allow biblical teachings to affect their lives. This kind of thinking is common throughout Europe as well, especially in France, a hotbed of secularism.

Traditionally Christianity influenced most aspects of American values, morals, laws and customs. Though Christianity has undergirded American life for most of its history, economic and political ideology has a great influence on American forms of Christianity. Political ideologies, especially Christian nationalism, compromise adherence to foundational biblical principles. Often political ideology is held higher than the actual beliefs and practices of the religion itself.

American's value of individualism extends to religion in that individuals are encouraged to choose their religion over simply accepting their family's beliefs.

What Are Their Needs?

Though Christianity is the majority religion of the American people group, one great need is for the American people to be re-evangelized with the gospel.

Prayer Points

Pray for a revival to stir American Christians in France to deepen their faith in Christ so they can be Christ’s hands and feet in France.
Pray for a revival of biblical Christianity that will trump secularism and political ideology.
Pray for Americans to disciple others in France, especially the Buddhists and Muslims.

Text Source:   Joshua Project