The American Man Research Paper

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Pages: 6

The American Man: Fearless, Dedicated and Selfless When Columbus sailed the Atlantic Ocean in 1492, he did not expect to find himself in unexplored land; he thought he would land in India. However, by a twist of fate, he ended up in the Americas, which was quickly dubbed the “New World.” This land was not new simply because the Europeans had not stepped foot there before but instead because the people who came to this world would write a history for it like no other. Within a few years of Columbus’ landing, colonies developed, became autonomous and broke off from Europe. By separating themselves from their mother nations, the people of these colonies gave up old ways and took on new lifestyles. The writings of influential leaders such as Age …show more content…
As Paine illustrates in “The Crisis”, the American man refuses to shrink away from hard work. When the soldiers sitting in New Jersey are exhausted from their retreat, Paine says, “These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country…” (Paine 95). The American man is one willing to endure harshness more than anyone else and continues to strive for the results he wants. Paine’s American man fatigues himself through fighting but still remains loyal to his cause since he is always willing to push himself more. Crevecoeur similarly claims the American man is a hard worker. Instead of waiting for the results he seeks, the American man, in Crevecoeur’s words, is motivated through “self-interest” and works for “rewards…with equal steps the progress of his labor” (Crevecoeur 106). The American man is not lazy and puts in the effort he deems necessary when he wants a better future for himself. Benjamin Franklin, once again, shows how valued the working spirit is in the American man. When seeking employment at a printer’s place in New York , he “[supposed himself] a pretty good workman, [and] offered [his] service to the printer in the place” (Franklin 78). Even though he already has experience in the printing industry, Franklin primarily highlights his abilities as a “workman” to prove himself worthy of employment. New Americans such as Franklin know their labor will take them further than anything else will. As the authors of this age make clear, the American is one who trusts his labor to help him