Debating American Identity

Southwestern Statehood and Mexican Immigration

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Cultural Studies, Emigration & Immigration, History, Americas, United States
Cover of the book Debating American Identity by Linda C. Noel, University of Arizona Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Linda C. Noel ISBN: 9780816598939
Publisher: University of Arizona Press Publication: February 27, 2014
Imprint: University of Arizona Press Language: English
Author: Linda C. Noel
ISBN: 9780816598939
Publisher: University of Arizona Press
Publication: February 27, 2014
Imprint: University of Arizona Press
Language: English

In the early 1900s, Teddy Roosevelt, New Mexico governors Miguel Antonio Otero and Octaviano Larrazolo, and Arizona legislator Carl Hayden—along with the voices of less well-known American women and men—promoted very different views on what being an American meant. Their writings and speeches contributed to definitions of American national identity during a tumultuous and dynamic era. At stake in these heated debates was the very meaning of what constituted an American, the political boundaries for the United States, and the legitimacy of cultural diversity in modern America.

In Debating American Identity, Linda C. Noel examines several nation-defining events—the proposed statehood of Arizona and New Mexico, the creation of a temporary worker program during the First World War, immigration restriction in the 1920s, and the repatriation of immigrants in the early 1930s. Noel uncovers the differing ways in which Americans argued about how newcomers could fit within the nation-state, in terms of assimilation, pluralism, or marginalization, and the significance of class status, race, and culture in determining American identity.

Noel shows not only how the definition of American was contested, but also how the economic and political power of people of Mexican descent, their desire to incorporate as Americans or not, and the demand for their territory or labor by other Americans played an important part in shaping decisions about statehood and national immigration policies. Debating American Identity skillfully shows how early twentieth century debates over statehood influenced later ones concerning immigration; in doing so, it resonates with current discussions, resulting in a well-timed look at twentieth century citizenship.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In the early 1900s, Teddy Roosevelt, New Mexico governors Miguel Antonio Otero and Octaviano Larrazolo, and Arizona legislator Carl Hayden—along with the voices of less well-known American women and men—promoted very different views on what being an American meant. Their writings and speeches contributed to definitions of American national identity during a tumultuous and dynamic era. At stake in these heated debates was the very meaning of what constituted an American, the political boundaries for the United States, and the legitimacy of cultural diversity in modern America.

In Debating American Identity, Linda C. Noel examines several nation-defining events—the proposed statehood of Arizona and New Mexico, the creation of a temporary worker program during the First World War, immigration restriction in the 1920s, and the repatriation of immigrants in the early 1930s. Noel uncovers the differing ways in which Americans argued about how newcomers could fit within the nation-state, in terms of assimilation, pluralism, or marginalization, and the significance of class status, race, and culture in determining American identity.

Noel shows not only how the definition of American was contested, but also how the economic and political power of people of Mexican descent, their desire to incorporate as Americans or not, and the demand for their territory or labor by other Americans played an important part in shaping decisions about statehood and national immigration policies. Debating American Identity skillfully shows how early twentieth century debates over statehood influenced later ones concerning immigration; in doing so, it resonates with current discussions, resulting in a well-timed look at twentieth century citizenship.

More books from University of Arizona Press

Cover of the book The Learned Ones by Linda C. Noel
Cover of the book Crime and Social Justice in Indian Country by Linda C. Noel
Cover of the book Chaco Revisited by Linda C. Noel
Cover of the book Anadarko by Linda C. Noel
Cover of the book Mushrooms and Truffles of the Southwest by Linda C. Noel
Cover of the book A Natural History of the Mojave Desert by Linda C. Noel
Cover of the book The Interior West by Linda C. Noel
Cover of the book Shameful Victory by Linda C. Noel
Cover of the book American Indians and National Forests by Linda C. Noel
Cover of the book The El Mozote Massacre by Linda C. Noel
Cover of the book Foreign Objects by Linda C. Noel
Cover of the book Crafting Wounaan Landscapes by Linda C. Noel
Cover of the book Native Studies Keywords by Linda C. Noel
Cover of the book Seeds of Resistance, Seeds of Hope by Linda C. Noel
Cover of the book There's a Bobcat in My Backyard by Linda C. Noel
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy