Americanization : Speeches and Writings, 1901–1927

Through an analysis of written texts and speeches of prominent American intellectuals and political leaders of the Americanization era, this book reveals how American identity is constructed. It is essential reading for researchers and students of language policy and linguistic diversity, as well as American political history.

The 'American idea' is often claimed not to be based on any ethnicity, race, culture, or religion, but rather on the secular values associated with the Founders' Constitution, and liberal democratic values associated with the European Enlightenment. However, a careful reading of American history tells a different story. This book provides evidence that contradicts the view that America is a universal idea untethered to a particular and narrow view of Americanism. Using the techniques of critical discourse analysis, Ricento explores the written texts and speeches of American intellectuals and political figures of the Americanization era (1901–1927), showing that American identity is a construction that privileges a particular culture (Anglo-Saxonism), race (white), and religion (Protestant Christianity) as the fundaments of national identity. Examples are set against today's context as the rise in right-wing political thinking has raised similar issues that continue to threaten America's status as an inclusive and democratic republic.