Due to limitation of the power of Government, Church and absence of Aristocracy, the early settlers created a climate of freedom with emphasis on the individual. The new independent United States (post 1776) instilled the concept of individual freedom, probably the most basic of American values. A key belief of people in individualistic cultures is that the smallest unit of survival is the individual. American culture is sometimes referred to as the “I” culture since it is the individual rather than the group which is emphasized.
Freedom for Americans means the right of all individuals to control their own destiny without outside interference from government, a ruling class, church or other organized authority. Americans are therefore expected to take the initiative in advancing their personal interests and well-being and to be direct and assertive in interacting with others . A price is however paid for individual freedom: self-reliance. Americans believe that the individual must learn to rely on themselves or risk losing freedom. This often means achieving financial and emotional independence from parents at the earliest time possible. The need to “stand on theirs own feet” is considered a priority.