America

America should be understood as one of the most important political-philosophical symbol in the history of mankind. It has stood for the Indians, inhabitants of the continent discovered by Columbus as well as for the United States, the country seen as the future of the world. America is divided in North America and South America.

The Indians, so called by mistake made by Columbus, who thought to arrive in India, have been seen through the centuries since their discovery either as barbarians or as people living in harmony with nature. The European philosophers of the Renaissance have called them “natural slaves” without the faculty of reason. Later the philosophers have seen them as the mixture of barbarians and nature loving humans. America, as well as the Indians, stood for the beginning of the world, its origin. All the philosophical theories concerning the Indians were unfortunately based on the own ideas of their creators rather than on any scientific evidence or verified information.

Hearing “America” most people in the world think only of the USA which is the most powerful country in culture, economy, politics and military worldwide. The country feared and envied at the same time. The union was born out of a rebellion against England in 1776. The successful American Revolution was the inspiration for the revolutions in the Old World and so the beginning of the end of the European empires created after Columbus’ discovery of America. The United States’ Declaration of Independence declares “all men are created equal” and have rights to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”. The Enlightenment leaders and philosophers in Europe praised the freedom of press, speech, conscience and religion in America, but at the same time condemned the slavery – America was not perfect, but still should inspire the world.

In the 19^th century, after the French Revolution has failed and the political evolution in Europe wasn’t very optimistic, America was seen as the future of the world. Its democracy was praised by many, but there were critical voices as well pointing out the collapse of all previous standards, growing materialism, unchecked equality and the government representing the “tyranny of the majority”.

The 20^th century, with the raising of the Soviet Union as the second power in the world, brings many comparisons between these two countries. Both were often criticized, but most people in Europe and around the world admire the high standard of living, freedom and personal prospects in America. These desires inspired millions of immigrants searching their happiness on the other side of the Atlantic.

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