Civilization in the United States

Focusing on American culture and character, this 1888 work offers a detailed analysis beginning with an exploration of Ulysses S. Grant, a figure intriguing to Americans but less so to Europeans. Matthew Arnold critically examines the dynamics of the post-war nation, providing insights into its societal values and behaviors. Through his observations, Arnold engages with themes of national identity and cultural evolution, reflecting on the complexities of American life during a transformative period.