America was founded based on the belief in certain freedoms. People have journeyed to America for thousands of years to obtain these freedoms and live the American dream. The pilgrims traveled to the new world to escape religious persecution and to start a new life. We are the cream of the crop, the land of the free and the home of the brave. Our Founding Fathers spent countless efforts to ensure that their beliefs in freedom and fortune lived as long as the country lived. Numerous wars have been fought to maintain our freedom. American soldiers have paved the road to our great nation's success with their lives. Key characteristics of American people include: patriotism, belief in God, hard work, belief in equality, independence, and hope. Many beliefs have fused together to create the American myth. John Winthrop, John Smith, and Benjamin Franklin all demonstrate the American Myth's composition in their writings.
Our money is inscribed with the words "In God We Trust." Our Pledge of Allegiance contains the phrase "one Nation under God." These facts demonstrate a main belief in strong Christian morals. As small children we are taught to love one another and because of this certain values are instilled in us which we will carry throughout our lives. John Winthrop, a minister, preached and encouraged Americans to help each other and live in harmony. He preached in "A Model of Christian Charity" that " every man might have need of other, and from hence they might be all knit more nearly together in the bonds of brotherly affection." (Baym, 95). A strong characteristic of our nations is that we are the great melting pot and despite our differences we can live in harmony. Our society is very diverse and for the most part we do live this theory. People in general are good hearted and will help their neighbor if needed. The underlying principal of John Winthrop's social structure remains the basic underlying principal of today's social structure.
