First essay from Grace's reading of Democracy in America by Alexis DeTocqueville. This is from her week's reading of Volume 1, this first half of part 1.
In the early years of America, the maiden country was vastly different from Europe. In America there were different ideals, resources, and outlooks that astounded and bewildered the Europeans. De Toqueville was sent as an ambassador to try and clear up some misunderstandings between countries and confirm rumors.
He wrote in length about the lack of aristocracy, or poverty, for that matter. There were few of either class, because of the vast scope of opportunities in the new world. Land was free for the taking, jobs free for the founding, and Americans all were using these opportunities to their best advantage. The majority, then, lived comfortably, because nothing prevented or hindered them from pursuing comfort and success.
De Toqueville remarks that there is a normality and common standard in America unfamiliar to Europe. There is a common level of knowlege and success in the young country, and as it progresses, it progresses as a whole. Men rise or fall to the modern standard of living. De Toqueville calls it a strange phenomenon that one nation should be so equally strong. He speculates on every facet of American society, observing, and predicting what will come of this new, unfamiliar way of living. A new world has endless opportunities, but De Toqueville and all of Europe keep their eyes bent on America, wondering if the dreams of the young nation will be realized, or topple as an unsturdy wall under the pressure of construction.