Category: Short Essays and Responses

For the majority of American history Anglo-Protestant values helped to bring together a large portion of American Society. This unity of people based off a set of morals is a main contributor towards any success early America was having. An example of this was the factor of Anglo-Protestant culture that encouraged hard work.  As time went on the thriving passion for religion most people had begun to fade. The strict morals and values of Anglo-Protestant culture was no longer as relevant. Although Anglo-Protestant culture helped unify people, it also was a main reason for a lack of diversity in America. As new people immigrated into the country, new ideas, ways of thinking, and religious beliefs came with them. These new ideas helped broaden the horizons of society, integrating different thoughts on problems happening in America. 

Although the Protestant moral code that helped to shape early America was very strict, it helped to build our culture with a large focus on work ethic. The belief that the success of a person while on Earth was their own responsibility motivated a large majority of the population (Huntington 69). This thought is what encouraged American settlers to discover new places and make huge strides in society. The unity that was created because of this culture was something that was a positive for society. Most people, regardless of the area they settled in, were interested in creating a better life for themselves and their families. This shared work ethic led to advances in society because people were willing to work hard together. The idea of moralism is another value that added to this success. The strict following of the Protestant morals is another factor that added to society’s work ethic. This work ethic is one main thing that a more Protestant culture had over today’s society.  

As Protestant values declined over time, diversity increased. Immigration was a main factor that contributed to this. In the past, immigrants were encouraged to follow the morals of a certain religion, at least to an extent. As these values faded, immigrants didn’t feel as pressured to assimilate to all the morals of America. This created a larger sense of diversity throughout the country. This diversity led to new advances in society from other places. It also keeps America more in touch with other countries. The sharing of cultures helps develop new relationships and economic partnerships between countries. Citizens feel less pressured to fit in with the basic model of an American, but feel more free to be their own person with their own set of values. This helps people feel more comfortable with being creative and outgoing with what they believe in, which makes for a more innovative America. 

The first Americans immigrated from so many different cultures. Yet over time the unity of the cultures came together to create the Anglo-Protestant culture. This culture was strict, demanding and confining for many who did not want to give their lives to a new set of beliefs. The core beliefs of the culture were not confining and ultimately, “benefited them and the country” (pg. 61).  I believe that the practices of the Anglo-Prostatism culture were lenient enough to cause a stronger society that could unify under one less confining religion, creating a “evangelical empire”.  

In the Anglo-protestant culture it was your duty to have a relationship with god. There were no priest to be the middle man with God. Priest who had previously ruled the world, because they were your only connection to God, what they said was the rule of the land. Priests were worshiped and treated and the only sons of God.  Thus, this new culture that was created caused a less unhealthy relationship in the church “Protestantism became increasingly populist and less hierarchical and increasingly emotional” (pg. 65). In the Anglo-Protestant way they tried to get rid of this issue, where not one man could tell you how to practice.  If you are your own connection to God, then you are your own punisher when you have wronged. Therefor people would give themselves less penance to do. They would believe that God wouldn’t want them to suffer but live how they are. 

Without a national religion people were allowed to make their own churches that conformed to their personal beliefs. You would be saved by your actions not through suffering in the name of God. It was up to you and your neighbors to create the faith you wanted, and it would procced the way you desired with the “sacred rights for the individual” (pg. 67) . Without priests you were left with the bible. Which to many served as their only connection to God and the life they should be living. This allowed for people to practice where they wanted and when they wanted. This religious freedom of the time let people focus on moving forward not to the past. 

Since there was no single conforming religion this culture allowed for almost 200 years of great awakenings in America. People radically changed their beliefs due to the new freedom to do that they wanted, creating “the single most formative events in America’s political history” (pg 63). These Great Awakenings led to women’s rights movements, abolitionist movements and many more that shaped our country into one that is more enlightened and accepting. Without this perfect climate for change the country could possibly still in its old ways. The Anglo-Protest way emphasized the ideals that every man is created equal and has the right to their freedom, which led to the proclamation to demolish slavery. 

In the early years of America, the peoples were confined to a certain culture that didn’t allow for individuality. The Anglo-Protestant culture allowed for people to practice and preach they way they saw fit. With this religious freedom people branched out to new ideas and grew the country to the strength that it is today. The Anglo-Protestant culture took away all of the confining variables of previous cultures at the time and allowed for true freedom to practice religion, for those who had suffered religious persecution. 

In the book Who Are We?, Samuel P. Huntington explores the identity of America. More specifically, he examines the history of American identity and how it came about from the British settlers, the immigrants who adopted this Anglo-Protestant culture, and finally how it has more recently changed. An important aspect is the American Creed, which Gunnar Myrdal popularized and described as “the essential dignity of the individual human being, of the fundamental equality of all men, and of certain inalienable rights to freedom, justice, and a fair opportunity.” (67) Furthermore, the Anglo-Protestant culture has been a core set of cultural values for much of America’s history, however, it more recently has diluted. Therefore, this leads to a controversial issue on whether or not this is better or worse for society. While there are both pros and cons to the given statement, it is more negative that Anglo-Protestant values have diluted more recently due to the fact that it hurts the identity and unity of the nation. 

Huntington explains how most countries generally “have a core or mainstream culture shared to varying degrees by most people in their society” (59) Of course, as Huntington continues, there are subcultures within each nation that are based off of various factors, including religion, race, class, and many others. Despite these subcultures in America, “It also has had a mainstream Anglo-Protestant culture in which most of its people, whatever their subcultures, have shared. For almost four centuries this culture of the founding settlers has been the central and the lasting component of American identity.” (59) While some of its aspects may derive from England, both political and social, America has ultimately created its own unique identity. For hundreds of years, immigrants have been able to assimilate and adapt to American culture, which has often allowed them to gain success and prosper. Naturally, it is challenging to come to a new country and instantly fit in, throw away your old values, and feel comfortable. Therefore, it’s understandable how immigrants and minorities might struggle or be hesitant to fully assimilate themselves into a new lifestyle. 

America is known to be a very patriotic country, especially during and after times of war. This can be seen with the various symbols and traditions throughout the nation. However, since the 1960s this nationalism has certainly faded. While there is not one specific reason for this, Huntington explains how some factors may include more multiculturalism and diversity among elites, special interest identities that have elevated over national identity like race and gender, and a combination of less promotion of immigrant assimilation as well as immigrants having multiple identities. Following the tragic events of September 11, patriotism did rise once again, however, it ultimately has faded during recent history. If the Anglo-Protestant values did eventually die out, it is unclear what would happen next as America has never faced this problem before. It can certainly be argued that positives would occur, some of which may include that more ethnic and racial equality would be evident in society especially compared to history. However, it can be costly because it erodes the national identity, which would make the nation less unified and patriotic. This would harm the nation as it is an essential aspect of America. Overall, it is hard to definitively argue which would be better or worse for the nation looking into the future, but I would have to agree with Huntington that this is not good as he argues, “Millions of immigrants and their children achieved wealth, power, and status in American society precisely because they assimilated themselves into the prevailing American culture.” (62)