For the majority of American history Anglo-Protestant values helped to bring together a large portion of American Society. This unity of people based off a set of morals is a main contributor towards any success early America was having. An example of this was the factor of Anglo-Protestant culture that encouraged hard work. As time went on the thriving passion for religion most people had begun to fade. The strict morals and values of Anglo-Protestant culture was no longer as relevant. Although Anglo-Protestant culture helped unify people, it also was a main reason for a lack of diversity in America. As new people immigrated into the country, new ideas, ways of thinking, and religious beliefs came with them. These new ideas helped broaden the horizons of society, integrating different thoughts on problems happening in America.
Although the Protestant moral code that helped to shape early America was very strict, it helped to build our culture with a large focus on work ethic. The belief that the success of a person while on Earth was their own responsibility motivated a large majority of the population (Huntington 69). This thought is what encouraged American settlers to discover new places and make huge strides in society. The unity that was created because of this culture was something that was a positive for society. Most people, regardless of the area they settled in, were interested in creating a better life for themselves and their families. This shared work ethic led to advances in society because people were willing to work hard together. The idea of moralism is another value that added to this success. The strict following of the Protestant morals is another factor that added to society’s work ethic. This work ethic is one main thing that a more Protestant culture had over today’s society.
As Protestant values declined over time, diversity increased. Immigration was a main factor that contributed to this. In the past, immigrants were encouraged to follow the morals of a certain religion, at least to an extent. As these values faded, immigrants didn’t feel as pressured to assimilate to all the morals of America. This created a larger sense of diversity throughout the country. This diversity led to new advances in society from other places. It also keeps America more in touch with other countries. The sharing of cultures helps develop new relationships and economic partnerships between countries. Citizens feel less pressured to fit in with the basic model of an American, but feel more free to be their own person with their own set of values. This helps people feel more comfortable with being creative and outgoing with what they believe in, which makes for a more innovative America.
2 replies on “Short Essay 2”
You did a great job describing the changes that have occurred over the course of America’s history through immigration and newfound diversity. However, It seemed that for most of the essay that the work was just a summary rather than an argument surrounding the thesis, luckily with a quick change by creating a stronger thesis and some better-connected topic sentences that can be easily adjusted. By further clarifying your argument to the reader the short essay would become much stronger and allow it to reach the level of a portfolio ready work. The addition of some relevant quotes may also benefit the piece if you find ant that work. Overall a great work in progress
You bring up some very interesting points regarding the origins of the Anglo-Protestant work ethic. I also wrote on this topic, but took a different approach. I like how you discussed the concept that the Protestant religion alone may not have been the only cause of the hard work ethic that developed in the United States. You wrote that, “Most people, regardless of the area they settled in, were interested in creating a better life for themselves and their families. This shared work ethic led to advances in society because people were willing to work hard together.” This is a very unique and plausible approach to the matter that I had not previously thought about. Do you think that this mindset was the driving force behind the work ethic in the early United States, or was it more rooted in religion?