Civic Education and Changing Definitions of American Identity, 1900-1950

Abstract

Definitions of American identity changed dramatically between 1900 and 1950, challenged by millions of immigrants who came to the US early in the century. Responding to this challenge assimilationists demanded that immigrants shed their ethnic identities entirely, while cultural pluralists emphasised maintaining ethnic roots. Although public schools created programmes to 'Americanise' immigrant children, that goal was realised in an ironic way as children blended their American and ethnic identities. During the Great Depression and World War II, civic education played a role in this process by encouraging students to redefine American identity as a commitment to broad civic ideals, including respect for diversity rather than strict assimilation of Anglo-American Protestant norms.