The First Edition Of The Mcguffey Readers By William...

The first edition of The McGuffey Readers was written in 1836 by William Holmes McGuffey, a devout Presbyterian, raised in 19th century America. These schoolbooks outline the values and expectations of a society built upon a Christian base on the brink of industrialization. Societal relationships were built upon concepts taught in the Readers. The events of industrialization, and immigration will challenge these guidelines and contain interesting results for the use of the Readers morals within society. These values cause the tensions amongst economic groups within the industrialization of America, while also translating into American’s perception of and attitude toward immigrants. Values of especial importance when discussing this†¦show more content†¦The importance of hard work and earning your way instills a sense of independence within the young generation who was reading the McGuffey textbooks. In the stories â€Å"Henry, the Boot-Black† (128) and â€Å"P oor Davy† (130) both boys, living in poverty, are praised for their work to support their mother. Working hard to earn a living, even at a young age, is commended and the value of family is reiterated. There is a belief that hard work prepares and enables one to lead a prosperous life. In â€Å"Charlie and Rob† (133) and â€Å"Advantages of Industry† (97), hard work pays off and is portrayed as the only way to become successful. This core value of work ethic for the American will be important in the changing world of industrialization and effect the attitude of the working class American toward those of wealth, as well as immigrants. The Readers teach the young minds they are molding the concepts of kindness and charity. In the lesson â€Å"The New Year† (83), Edward gives money to a poor family, in â€Å"Emulation† (98), a young boy sacrifices his own prominence to help his fellow classmate. The many stories revolving around family and virtues such as, kindness show how looking out for your fellow man was taught through this text. This will be an important idea in the discussion of societal relationships throughout industrialization and it is this value that seems to be the most challenged and evolved within the period of