The American Dream in the Nineteenth Century

883 Words2 Pages

In the late nineteenth century, an increasingly flow of immigrants from many parts of the world made their way to America searching for a dream that gave birth to term “American Dream” still alive today. Driven by economic and financial hardships, persecutions, and great social and political turmoil of the nineteenth century, millions of people and families left their homelands and embarked on the difficult journey to the United States of America. Immigrants came to America from their homeland for many different reasons that were shared equally among men and women of the time. “Faced with poverty, limited opportunity, and rigid class structures at home, families dispatched members to work in the United States and send money back” (Through Women’s Eyes, Pg 404). In addition, according to Through Women’s Eyes, other women also came to the Unites States as wives or to become wives, to join husbands who had migrated before them or to complete marriages arranged in their homeland. They believed that the United States could provide them with a productive land, paying jobs, freedom of life and expression, and good schools for their children. Reasons for coming to America were financial, others political, others were too personal while yet others were religious, whatever the circumstance was; the United States was becoming a mixture of different cultures. Despite the ultimate dream, new comers faced obstacles and hardships upon arrival. They came to America usually not knowing the language, they usually did not know anyone already living here, and did not have a place to stay in the beginning. Upon finding lodging, many had to live in small rooms, sharing them with other people. The majority also worked under tough conditions; they en... ... middle of paper ... ...dren things about their countries. Daughters became more sympathetic towards their mother’s beliefs, helping to ease the tensions of Americanization. All in all, the United States was growing an image of being the free land of opportunities that started attracting immigrants from many parts of the world. Despite the wonderful opportunities for a better life, immigrants faced hardships when they actually came to America; they had to live through tough times in order to earn respectable and prosperous life for their children. No matter how hard it was, new comers managed to maintain their cultures, and those who worked long and hard enough managed to achieve their dreams, the dreams they came for to the new land. Works Cited Through Women's Eyes Since 1865: An American History. Ellen C Dubois - Lynn Dumenil - Boston - Bedford/St. Martin's - 2008 - 2nd Ed. - Vol. 2

Open Document