Final answer:
Crevecoeur's statement about the rewards of industry following the progress of labor appeals to the belief in a meritocratic system where hard work leads to economic independence and social mobility, reflecting the 19th-century Northern view of the dignity of labor and the potential for personal success.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Crevecoeur argues that "here the rewards of his industry follow with equal steps the progress of his labor," he is appealing to a belief in the meritocratic nature of the free labor system. This statement encapsulates the idea that one's success and economic growth are directly tied to one's effort and hard work. It's an endorsement of the American dream where personal diligence is rewarded with social mobility and economic independence, connecting with the broader 19th-century Northern belief in progress through the development of the economy and democratic institutions. This ethos highlights the potential for individuals to rise to the middle class and supports a system where labor is seen as dignified and valuable.
Crevecoeur's sentiment resonates with the views expressed by historical figures like William Evarts, who viewed labor as the source of all wealth and progress, and Thaddeus Stevens, who emphasized the role of the working classes in supporting free government.