PASSAGE EXCERPT: "The United States in the $1800\text{'}$s was full of practical, hardworking people who did not consider the arts$-$from theater to painting $-$ useful occupations. In addition, the public's attitude that European art was better than American art both discouraged and infuriated American artists. In the early $1900\text{'}$s there was a strong feeling among artists that the United States was long overdue in developing art that did not reproduce European traditions. Everybody agreed that the heart and soul of the new country should be reflected in its art. But opinions differed about what this art would be like and how it would develop."

According to paragraph $1,$ all of the following were true of American art in the late $1800\text{'}$s and early $1900\text{'}$s EXCEPT:

Most Americans thought art was unimportant.

American art generally copied European styles and traditions.

Most Americans considered American art inferior to European art.

American art was very popular with European audiences.