L’ esprit communautaire des bals des Rois au Pays des Illinois (1800-1830)

Abstract

American settlers were coming in great numbers into the former Illinois Country during the first three decades of the 19^th Century. They quickly modified the political, economical and judicial systems that the local white French-speaking inhabitants were used to since the 18^th Century. However, these inhabitants were still a significant part of the population and therefore were successful in preserving several characteristics of their social life and culture. Their traditional mores, such as the spirit of solidarity and collaboration, family stability and cultural segregation, greatly permeated the sociability that reigned in the festive environment of their carnival’s balls.