STUDIES IN AMERICAN CIVILIZATION

American civilization is one of the most challenging topics associated to cultural studies. The beginnings reflect the attempts of the first colonists to tame and asimilate the new land. Concepts like self-reliance and self-determination characterize the gradual conquest of the west or the gold rush. American civilization consists of the efforts people made to transform the once hostile land into a home. Gradually, the Americans were involved in international matters as well. The two world wars showed the decision of the people of America to bring order and harmony in other countries too. The frontier which was the imaginary line that had to be crossed so that wilderness turned into a haven changed into the race for the conquest of the universe. In America culture and civilization mingle with literature which renders the vision of the writers on their topics. The present book attempts at unveiling the main features of a unique and fascinating world, concentrating on the essential events shaping the nation.