Colony and Nativism: History As

A History of the United States

In "Colony and Nativism: History As", author John Smith takes readers on a journey through the history of the United States, from its earliest days as a colony to its emergence as a global superpower. Smith argues that the United States has always been a nation of immigrants, and that this diversity has been a source of strength and vitality. However, he also acknowledges that nativism, or the fear and hostility towards immigrants, has been a persistent force in American history.

The Colonial Era

The first European settlers in North America were a diverse group, including English Puritans, Dutch Calvinists, French Huguenots, and German Lutherans. These settlers brought with them their own languages, cultures, and traditions, and they often clashed with each other and with the Native Americans who already lived in the region.

Despite these conflicts, the colonies gradually grew and prospered. By the mid-18th century, the British colonies in North America had become a major economic and political force. However, tensions between the colonies and Great Britain were also growing, and in 1776, the American Revolution began.

The American Revolution

The American Revolution was a time of great upheaval and change. The war pitted the British colonies against the British government, and it resulted in the creation of the United States of America. The new nation was founded on the principles of liberty, equality, and democracy, and it welcomed immigrants from all over the world.

The Rise of Nativism

In the early years of the United States, nativism was a relatively minor force. However, it began to grow in strength in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This was due in part to the influx of new immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe, who were often seen as being different from the "native" Americans.

Nativists argued that these new immigrants were taking jobs away from American workers, and that they were a threat to American culture and values. They also claimed that immigrants were more likely to be criminals and paupers.

The Immigration Acts of 1924

In 1924, Congress passed a series of laws that severely restricted immigration to the United States. These laws were based on the idea that the United States should be a "white man's country." The laws had a devastating impact on immigration, and they remained in place until 1965.

The Civil Rights Movement

The Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s challenged the racism and discrimination that had been institutionalized in the United States. The movement also led to a renewed interest in immigration, and in 1965, Congress passed a new immigration law that abolished the national origins quotas.

The New Immigration

The Immigration Act of 1965 ushered in a new era of immigration to the United States. This new wave of immigrants came from all over the world, and they brought with them their own languages, cultures, and traditions.

The new immigration has had a profound impact on the United States. It has made the country more diverse, and it has helped to create a more vibrant and dynamic society.

Conclusion

In "Colony and Nativism: History As", John Smith argues that the United States has always been a nation of immigrants, and that this diversity has been a source of strength and vitality. He also acknowledges that nativism has been a persistent force in American history, but he argues that it has ultimately been defeated by the forces of progress and inclusion.

"Colony and Nativism: History As" is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the history of the United States. It is a powerful and persuasive book that will change the way you think about immigration.