Abstract

This article deals with the experience of Latin American travelers in the United States during the 19th century. During this period, these travelers appeared to have a defensive position towards Anglo-Saxon culture, associating themselves with such values as spiritualism, affection and solidarity, in contrast with those values they believed were indicative of North American culture, such as utilitarianism, materialism and bluntness. It is taking into account this attitude that this article discusses how the concept of Latin American identity emerged as a result of the clash between the cultural boundaries which separate these two Americas.