In the 19th century, Yankee persons of genius gave us cars and trains, ships and plans. The production of these required considerable financial investment to cover the cost of factory construction as well as tools, machinery and massive quantities of material. It also required employing and training a corps of workers to assemble the products as well as to manage the plants.
The successful achievement of these goals produced great wealth and boundless repercussions. Laying of rails followed, as well as construction of roads, bridges, harbors and airports. Job opportunities soared. With rewards of wages and interest earned on investments many were able to purchase homes and some started small businesses. The housing industry flourished and spurred greater manufacture of furniture and appliances. Fabric industries provided curtains, carpets and linens for bed, bath and kitchen. Petroleum drilling and refining increased as did mining for coal, copper, iron, lead and zinc. Steel and lumber industries also grew. America was now the land of opportunity where dreams could become realities.
A most important factor should not be overlooked. That was the nature of the Yankee spirit. The people were persons of faith, family and freedom. Moral integrity was the norm. Little civil government was necessary because the people were governed by faithful observance of God's rule of law. They recognized not only the right of monetary rewards for achievement, but also the responsibility to render a just fulfillment of one's commitments.
Relationships were amicable because mutual respect was the norm regardless of one's position in society. These individuals worked hard five or six days of the week. They rested and prayed on one day, the Sabbath for a few, the Lord's Day for many. They practiced the virtues of love and concern for neighbor which entailed service, sacrifice and selflessness. Consequently, this one nation under God was not only great, it was beautiful and bountifully blessed.
Loretta Sellers
Cuba
