Question

Education was free. That subject my father had written about repeatedly, as comprising his chief hope for us children, the essence of American opportunity, the treasure that no thief could touch, not even misfortune or poverty. It was the one thing that he was able to promise us when he sent for us; surer, safer than bread or shelter. On our second day I was thrilled with the realization of what this freedom of education meant. . . . No application made, no questions asked, no examinations, rulings, exclusions; no machinations, no fees. The doors stood open for every one of us.

–Mary Antin
Promised Land

Why did Antin’s father consider education an important pull factor for the family to join him in the US?


Schools in the US were more challenging than Russian schools.

Schools in Russia focused more on exams and test results than learning.

Schools in the US were free and not exclusive.

Schools in Russia were closing over safety concerns and problems with theft

Answer 1

Antin’s father considered education an important pull factor for the family to join him in the US because **schools in the US were free and not exclusive**. He viewed education as a fundamental opportunity for his children, one that was accessible to all without barriers such as fees, examinations, or exclusivity, which contrasted with the situation in Russia. This freedom of education represented hope and possibility for a better future.