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What is an American
The author is describing the period in the early 18th century. Around this time, immigrants from various European countries came to America to earn a better living and for better prospects. They were a mixture of English, Scotch, Irish, French, Dutch, Germans and Swedes. The reason they shifted from their respective countries was because of the political, social and religious unrest prevailing in that region at that time. The author has given a comparative description of their lifestyles in Europe and America. The people were very unhappy with the government in their countries. They came to America in order to fulfill their dreams.
The author has made a comparative analysis, of the productivity levels of the various sections. For instance the Germans were more skilled and did better off than the Irish people. They were also better off than the Scotch people. The lifestyles of the immigrants changed upon their arrival in U.S. Their lives were made easy. The immigrants first learnt the tricks of the trade or methods of farming; Bought land, cultivated, traded on credit and this soon led to riches and respect in society. They were changed from mere workers to landowners. New opportunities, new laws, a new mode of living and a new social system awaited them in America. The laws protected them, and stamped on them the symbol of adoption, they received ample rewards for their labor with which they procured lands and were titled as freemen. America did not ensure immediate riches, but all could procure an easy decent maintenance by industry, or get employment.
In America they were free to practice the religion of their choice. There were no disputes and religious unrest. Secondly, they got equal rights and were treated equal in the eyes of the law. There were equal opportunities for all and all the people had a means to earn their livelihood. Most important was that they reaped the benefits of their work. Since these people came from different parts of Europe, there was a lot of cultural diversity, and a variety in almost everything. From the food they ate, their religions, to the ways in which they cultivated lands etc. The idle were employed, the useless became useful, and the poor became rich. Every individual’s opinion was respected and useful ideas could ripen to maturity here. Industry, good living, selfishness, litigious ness, country politics, the pride of freemen, religious indifference were the characteristics of the men who settled on the eastern coast. The immigrants brought along with them their national genius, to which they principally owe what liberty they enjoy and what substance they possess. This continent absorbed the poorest part of Europe and this happened in proportion as it became better known and as war, taxation, oppression and misery increased in Europe.
America has realized the dreams of many immigrants. It made them a part of the American dream. It recognized the talents and labor of all. It was and will always be the country of opportunities [next page]