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This article covers the cultural history of the United States since its founding in the late 18th century. The region has had patterns of original settlement by different peoples, & later settler colonial states & societal setups. Various immigrant groups have been at play in the formation of the nation's culture. While different ethnic groups may display their own insular cultural aspects, throughout time a broad American culture has developed that encompasses the entire country. Developments in the culture of the United States in modern history have often been followed by similar changes in the rest of the world (American cultural imperialism).

This includes knowledge, customs, and arts of Americans; and events in the social, cultural, and political spheres.

Before European colonization

The Americas before European colonization were home to a variety of societies, economies, and cultures.^[1]

The Columbian exchange was a series of biological and cultural transfers between Europe, Africa, and Asia, on the one hand, and North and South America, on the other.^[2] Among these were concepts of liberty, private property, and labor.^[3]

Justice system

Prior to the early 19th century, people were infrequently jailed. Jails were considered too expensive and could not competently secure a criminal for a lengthy period. Those convicted were either flogged, placed in stocks for a time, or hanged. In 1829, an attempt was made to reform (induce repentance in) convicts by incarcerating them in a penitentiary. Strict silence was enforced. This model was widely copied and persisted for nearly a century. Authorities conceded failure when those incarcerated often went insane through lack of social contact.^[4]