Patriotism Quote by Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr
““Yet the old faith in the power of Bryce's "amazing solvent" to fulfill Washington's conception of Americans as "one people" held fast. However much they suffered from social prejudice, the newcomers were not barred from civic participation, and civic participation indoctrinated them in the fundamentals of the American Creed. They altered the ethnic composition of the country, but they preserved the old ambition to become Americans.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Age of Roosevelt, 1960
The passage argues that despite prejudice, newcomers were integrated into civic life, preserving the ambition to become Americans while altering ethnic composition.
In simple terms: Newcomers faced prejudice but were included, keeping the American ambition alive.
Key Takeaway
Inclusion strengthens national identity despite diversity.
Themes
immigration
identity
inclusion
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
historical
political
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- community building
- education curricula
Key Concepts
American Creed
civic participation
social integration
Questions to Reflect On
- What barriers still prevent full civic participation?
- How does ethnic change affect national ambition?
A Different Perspective
Integration can be superficial without deeper equity.
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