In Antebellum America, a strong restorationist movement prompted American interest in the Middle East. Americans viewed it as their duty to help Jews establish an independent state in Palestine. They also considered it within their purview to "civilize" the Middle East, primarily through means of conversion to Christianity. Optimistic U.S. born missionaries established the route and itinerary which most American travelers in the Middle East adhered to. Driven by religious zeal and enticed by the often dismal but nonetheless compelling writings of early American travelers, tourists began to visit Arab cities such as Cairo, Jerusalem, and Petra. But tourists were almost always appalled at what they perceived as the brutishness of Arabic culture, though steadfastly refusing to acknowledge the gross injustice of slavery that was common practice in their homeland. This increased exchange between the United States and the Middle East left tangible cultural impacts on both regions. Among those that toured the holy sites of the Middle East were celebrated authors and artists, including Herman Melville and Washington Irving. Their experiences abroad impacted their art and writing, and in doing so disseminated a touch of Middle Eastern culture to the American people.
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