America Mary Antin

Since the beginning of its settlement, the United States has gone through many periods of reform. The turn of the twentieth century follows the nation's pattern of change. The 1900's brought about a complete new standard for culture, economic standing, and technology. The United States has begun defining what it means to be an American, and has redefined its own moral values. A prime example of this reformation period can be shown in Coney Island. An American that has visited Coney Island once said, "When you bathe in Coney, you bathe in the American Jordan. It is holy water. Nowhere else in the United States will you see so many races mingle in a common purpose for a common good. Democracy meets here and has its first interview, skin to skin. Here you find the real interpretation of the Declaration of Independence -- the most good for the greatest number, tolerance, freedom." In this quote, they reflect on the many races that mingle together, becoming …show more content…
Her autobiography outlines the amazing freedom she has encountered in the United States. Her biggest fascination was that education was free, and that the doors were open to every single person. There were no restrictions, exclusions, or examinations. This shows the new basis of culture as well as a new idea of acceptance and tolerance. After the Civil War, America’s south was booming with industry and improvement. Charles Dudley Warner wrote about his observations in a magazine article to analyze the South's new condition. He recalls the great industries arising and all of the business opportunities, and he mentions it seems as if it is a discovery of a new world. Although the south is mainly all “American type,” the Hebrew population is succeeding in business. This begins the melting pot theory. Even directly after the civil war, immigrants began intermingling with Americans and living out their American