American Neoclassicism aimed to connect which ideas to American culture?

The choice highlighting Enlightenment ideas and values is significant in the context of American Neoclassicism as this artistic movement sought to reflect the principles of reason, democracy, and civic virtue that were foundational to the American identity. Neoclassicism emerged in the late 18th and early 19th centuries as a response to the preceding Baroque and Rococo styles, emphasizing clarity, order, and harmony—qualities often associated with Enlightenment thought.

Artists and architects during this time drew inspiration from the art and architecture of ancient Greece and Rome, which were perceived as embodiments of rationality and equality, resonating well with the aspirations of the newly formed United States to establish itself based on Enlightenment principles. Works from this period often featured themes of heroism and morality, aimed at reinforcing the values of democracy and justice that were central to the American cultural narrative.

In contrast, the other options do not align closely with the ideals that Neoclassicism sought to promote. Medieval traditions and folklore tend to draw from a different historical and cultural context, focusing more on narratives tied to the Middle Ages. Modernist movements represent a later evolution in art and design, radically shifting away from the classical inspirations. Romantic ideals, while influential, primarily emphasize emotion and