An Immigrant Story 

Between 1870 and 1900 nearly twelve million immigrants from all corners of the globe arrived in the United States, each one undoubtedly having heard of the New World and the numerous opportunities it presented. During this same period every American who was born and raised in this country spoke of Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. Well over a century later many who live elsewhere still see American society and its way of life so appealing that they risk countless dangers to migrate to this country.

Throughout it's history this country has welcomed immigrants with their creative ideas to aid in helping build a better and more advanced America for all. Some of these notable immigrants include Alexander Graham Bell, Gugliemo Marconi (inventor of the radio) and Albert Einstein. Each of these innovators have played a unique part in shaping the society we now live in. Had it not been for the opportunities these individuals were given and the success each of them achieved, none of us would have the modern amenities we now use on a daily basis.

Jakob Schleicher was an immigrant and entrepreneur who came to the United States in 1876. He too helped shape America during this country's Industrial Era, though his story is not well known. In fact, Jakob Schleicher not only achieved the American Dream, but in addition, he helped introduce one product to the American public that is still in use today: the gas powered engine.

In an effort to fully capture the challenges he experienced as an immigrant pursuing the American Dream, Jakob's Story and the American Dream weaves the many moving parts that were taking place within the United States during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries into his life story. A literary non-fiction account, Jakob's Story and the American Dream will, in the end, not only illustrate the risks the American Dream presents, but also the lasting legacy our humanness leaves behind.