In this paper, I will analyze Lyman Beecher’s A Plea for the West with regard to his attitude towards immigration. In particular, I want to examine in how far the author supports the idea of nativism.
On this account I will start by giving a definition of nativism and pointing out its different motivations; chapter 2.2 then shows the development of the concept as well as its political expression from the very beginning of the United States until now. Chapter three contains some background information, both about the author and the time he lived in, which I consider necessary for a deeper understanding of the primary source. The main part of my work, the analysis of A Plea for the West will follow in chapter four: At the beginning, I will describe what great potential the author sees in the American West and what problems he sees it faced with. Then, I will continue by investigating what attitude towards immigration in general and, in particular, towards Catholic immigration the author expresses in his work. What makes him support nativism, and which of its complex ideas does he support at all? Finally, I will point out what solution Lyman Beecher proposes for the problem of immigration in the American society with regard to the understanding of democracy he promotes in his work.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Nativism
- What is Nativism?
- History of Nativism
- Background Information
- The Historical Background
- Biography of Lyman Beecher
- Analysis of A Plea for the West
- The importance of the West
- The Danger of Immigration
- Immigration in general
- Catholic Immigration
- Proposal to Handle Immigration
- Conclusions
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to analyze Lyman Beecher's A Plea for the West through the lens of his attitude towards immigration, specifically investigating the extent to which he supports nativism. The analysis will begin with a definition of nativism and its motivations, followed by a historical overview of the concept. Chapter three provides background information about the author and his time, setting the context for the analysis. The main focus is on Chapter four, which examines Beecher's perspective on the West's potential and its challenges, particularly those posed by immigration. The analysis delves into Beecher's views on immigration in general and Catholic immigration specifically, exploring the underlying reasons for his support of nativism and the specific aspects of nativism he endorses. The paper concludes by exploring Beecher's proposed solutions to the immigration issue within the context of his understanding of democracy.
- Nativism in 19th century America
- Lyman Beecher's views on immigration
- Analysis of A Plea for the West
- The influence of nativism on American democracy
- The impact of immigration on the American West
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The introduction sets the stage for the analysis of Lyman Beecher's A Plea for the West by outlining the paper's objective, which is to examine Beecher's stance on immigration, particularly his support for nativism. The introduction provides a roadmap for the analysis, outlining the structure of the paper and highlighting the key themes and arguments that will be explored in subsequent chapters.
Chapter 2 defines nativism and its multifaceted motivations, tracing its historical development and political expressions from the early days of the United States to the present. This chapter explores the various factors contributing to the rise of nativism, including religious, political, and social concerns, and examines how these concerns shaped the attitudes and policies towards immigrants.
Chapter 3 offers a contextual backdrop for the analysis by providing biographical information about Lyman Beecher and the historical circumstances he lived in. This chapter sheds light on the social and political climate of the time, which influenced Beecher's views on immigration and shaped his arguments in A Plea for the West.
Chapter 4 delves into a comprehensive analysis of A Plea for the West, focusing on Beecher's perspective on the potential and challenges facing the American West. This chapter investigates Beecher's views on immigration, both in general and specifically towards Catholic immigrants. It explores the reasons behind Beecher's support for nativism, analyzing the specific aspects of nativism he endorses and examining his concerns about immigration's potential impact on American society and its democratic principles.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Nativism, immigration, A Plea for the West, Lyman Beecher, American democracy, social and political change, Catholic immigration, Protestant values, American West, xenophobia, political influence, moral concerns, the dangers of foreign influence, and the challenges of assimilation are key terms that encapsulate the core concepts and themes explored in this paper.
- Quote paper
- Elena Kramer (Author), 2005, Nativism and its expression in Lyman Beechers "A Plea for the West", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/132819
