The transatlantic influx of Americans to the "Old Continent", 1830-1900

This article examines the rich and complex relationship which developed between America and Europe in the 19th century, mainly through tourism. From the mid- twenties, progress in shipping had made crossing the Atlantic less perilous, and, with the opening up the European continent brought about by the railways, Europe gradually became more and more accessible and attractive to the American tourist. Between 1830 and 1900, Paris, generally regarded as the cultural capital of Europe, was by far the most popular destination for the young upper class Americans (as well as for a few privileged members of the middle classes), in search of more refined knowledge and learning. For this new generation, the journey provided a unique opportunity - then unequalled in the New World - of acquiring personal and professional experience. The knowledge acquired by this group of remarkable young American immigrants qualified them to play a key role in shaping the intellectual and artistic climate of Paris at the end of the 19th century. It was the period which also saw the emergence of the Cte d'Azur, and more particularly Menton, Nice and Cannes, as one of the most popular travel destinations for Americans during the long winter months. The French shores of the Mediterranean attracted wealthy American families who succeeded in giving a new boost to the "French Riviera", as they had begun to call it.