French American facts for kids
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total population | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (11,804,485 3.8% of the U.S. population (2010)) |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| Regions with significant populations | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Predominantly in New England, the Midwest and Louisiana | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Languages | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| English (American English dialects) French (Cajun•Acadian•Canadian•Missouri•New England French) |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| Religion | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 47% Roman Catholic, 39% Protestant, 3% Christian – unspecified; 12% other (including deists, Raelians) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Related ethnic groups | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| French people, French Canadian, Québécois, Cajuns, Acadians, French Haitian | |||||||||||||||||||||||
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpeg){kind=small}
French Americans are people in the United States who have French or French Canadian family roots. They are also known as Franco-Americans. About 11.8 million people in the U.S. have French or French Canadian ancestors. This makes them a large part of the American population.
Even though there are many French Americans, they are sometimes less noticed than other large ethnic groups. This is partly because many early French settlers, especially Huguenots (French Protestants), blended into American society. Also, many French American groups identify more with their specific regional cultures. These include Québécois, French Canadian, Acadian, Cajun, or Louisiana Creole identities. This has made it harder for a single, wider French American identity to form.
Contents
French Americans: A Rich Heritage
French Americans have played an important role in shaping the United States. Their history goes back to the early days of American settlement. Many French explorers and settlers came to North America. They established colonies and traded with Native American groups.
Where French Americans Live Today
French Americans live all across the United States. However, some areas have a higher number of people with French roots. You can find many French Americans in New England, especially in states like Maine and Massachusetts. The Midwest also has a significant French American population.
Louisiana's Unique French Culture
One of the most well-known areas for French culture in the U.S. is Louisiana. Here, you'll find the Cajuns and Louisiana Creoles. These groups have kept many French traditions alive. They speak unique forms of French, like Cajun French. Their music, food, and festivals are famous. The French Quarter in New Orleans is a historic area. It shows off the strong French influence in the city.
Languages Spoken by French Americans
Most French Americans speak English today. However, some still speak French at home. About 2 million people in the U.S. speak French. Another 750,000 speak a French-based creole language. These French dialects include:
- Cajun French: Spoken mainly in Louisiana.
- Acadian French: Spoken by descendants of Acadians.
- Canadian French: Spoken by those with Canadian French heritage.
- Missouri French: A historic dialect from the Midwest.
- New England French: Spoken in parts of New England.
French American Identity and Assimilation
Over time, many French Americans have blended into the larger American culture. This process is called assimilation. It means they have adopted American customs and language. This is why French Americans might seem "less visible" compared to other groups.
Strong Regional Ties
Instead of a single "French American" identity, many feel a stronger connection to their specific regional heritage. For example, someone from Louisiana might identify as Cajun or Creole. Someone from New England might identify as French Canadian. These strong regional ties are a unique part of the French American story.
Notable French Americans
Many famous Americans have French ancestry. Their contributions span various fields.
- Marquis de Lafayette: A French hero who helped the U.S. in the American Revolutionary War.
- Paul Revere: A famous patriot during the American Revolution.
- Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis: Former First Lady of the United States.
- Angelina Jolie: A well-known actress.
- Madonna: A global music icon.
- Jack Kerouac: A famous writer.
- Louis Chevrolet: The co-founder of the Chevrolet Motor Car Company.
These are just a few examples of the many French Americans who have made a difference.
Images for kids
-
The Marquis de Lafayette, known as “The Hero of the Two Worlds” for his accomplishments in the service of the United States in the American War of Independence.
-
The Statue of Liberty is a gift from the French people in memory of the American Declaration of Independence.
-
Distribution of Franco Americans according to the 2000 census.
-
Creole girls, Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, 1935.
-
St. Philip Street at Royal Street, French Quarter, New Orleans.
See also
In Spanish: Inmigración francesa en los Estados Unidos para niños
