Out of This Furnace Essay Example

immigrants who do not accept the necessity of hard work. Therefore, Djuro's minor episode of drunkenness should not diminish the years of hard work he put in to achieve his "American dream." Another point Bell seems to make clear is that Mike's idealism stems from his own desire to participate in that dream.

The novel takes place during a period when the general belief was that various ethnic groups immigrating to the United States were detrimental to culture. Dobie Dobrejcak aimed to enhance working conditions, treatments, economic prospects, and the lives of working men. His beliefs in potential social change served to affirm the American Dream and people's determination to pursue their aspirations, even in the face of enormous challenges. The majority of immigrant groups who journeyed to America did so with the objective of finding freedom and economic opportunities.

Despite America's recessions, immigrants have continuously made significant contributions to the country's growth, enabling westward expansion and filling job vacancies that might have otherwise remained unfilled. Thomas Bell contends that Jews, Catholics, Irish, and Slavs played a vital role in facilitating America's achievements and progress. Examining the lives of Mike and Mary, Bell illustrates the American desire for immigrants during expansion and highlights the unfavorable treatment they faced during economic downturns.

During the 1920s, economic difficulties led to a decrease in the need for immigrant labor. The focus of the novel was on immigrants like the Kracha's and Dobrejcak's who were looking for equal opportunities and fair treatment. While their concept of being "American" stayed the same, there was a clear change in their determination to overcome challenges and become part of

mainstream society. Immigrants had to understand that fully embracing the "American Experience" required accepting its unconventional nature.

Early colonists and new immigrants to the United States shared similar aspirations and ideals. They saw the New World as a place of opportunity, religious freedom, liberation from an aristocratic Old World, and the ability to pursue their own desires. Immigration in America has always generated vigorous discussions, with some supporting open borders while others believe that immigrants bring economic growth, development, and prosperity to the country.

The opposition to immigration in America focused on the disparities between new cultural groups. However, the Native American party contended that the country was endangered by a significant rise in foreign-born residents who held foreign sentiments, had limited knowledge and morals, but still possessed voting rights and were eligible for political positions. On the other hand, some believed that recent immigrants had a detrimental impact on American society due to their insufficient education, poverty, lack of skills, and adherence to Catholic and Jewish faiths.

The initial opposition towards specific immigrants focused on groups considered inferior to the Anglo-Saxon population. Concerns about immigration mainly centered around the ability of immigrants from different ethnic backgrounds to assimilate. Non-immigrants believed that foreigners had lower intelligence, productivity, and organization, and contributed to issues like alcoholism, crime, and immorality. They also thought that immigrants caused divisions through language, education, and religion while increasing the number of impoverished and illiterate individuals.

The United States was initially inhabited by a combination of white, Anglo-Saxon people and immigrants. Every ethnic group that has come to the country has contributed to the development of the American

dream and shared their unique positive and negative experiences. Immigration has greatly influenced our population count and played an important part in shaping our economy. The United States of America holds different meanings for different people.

The fundamental ideals of the “American dream” are undoubtedly freedom and equality. However, the nation’s establishment was based on republican principles that included justice for all, friendship with all nations, and no alliances. Over time, these principles have evolved. Currently, the United States has numerous “alliances” that impact its domestic and foreign policies. Nevertheless, the commitment to “justice for all” persists and consistently draws new immigrants each year, as they strive to define the true meaning of “justice and equality.”