There is no doubt that America has come a long way in its development physically, culturally, linguistically, and politically. From reading the introduction to American Literature, I can see dramatic changes in this time period (1750-1830). However, these changes were not easily made. America had dramatic events that, looking back, had to happen in order to get us to where we are today as a nation. As those hard times were going on, a different way of coping was introduced to America in the form of print.
Newspapers, magazines and books were gradually making a statement in our new nation, unifying colonials with current events, views and just strengthening their literary skills. It is interesting to see that, “books were expensive and were regarded as a luxury by most colonists (318).” These days, a parent is extremely blessed if their child shows an interest in reading. Books are just not as valued today as they were back when our nation was just getting started; I wish that would change. Books educate individuals and bring people together on issues. For example, a magazine brought women together in order to impower them to make a change in their new world called, “Genius of the Ladies Magazine”. Newspapers also showed “growing political divisions in the United States (329)”, proving that Americans were developing their personal views politically in the New World, a concept that was new to them.
We, as a nation today, should show much gratitude for the people of the past who printed and developed these books, newspapers and magazines. Through their honest declarations of their opinions, they formed our nation and brought us together while at the same time helping us think for ourselves.
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