Why is Walt Whitman considered first american poet?

Question

I am looking for at least three different reasons, and I will explain them. I've done a lot of reasearch but just can't list the reasons why..

Thanks.

Answer 1

Walt Whitman basically established the method of Free Verse.  He broke free of the structured iambic pentameter.  Whitman believed that Free Verse was divine because it could be written by any average American.  Overall, Walt was a unique and multi-faceted individual.  His free verse method affected 20th century poetry and beyond.  Most importantly, Walt Whitman was just a common man revealing his intrapersonal thoughts through unstructured, yet sophisticated poetry.

Answer 2

he never used to be.

the politically correct liberal communists have elevated their favorite fruitcake poet to first american poet i guess.