Pupils should be taught to revere the flag, commit to memory patriotic quotations, and study the lives of great American patriots Specifically, the Manual urged teachers to open the school day with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag and the singing of a patriotic song. The Manual reflected the unashamed patriotism of the famous McGuffey Readers that were widely used from 1880 to 1910. Solid patriotism, said the Superintendent of Schools, could best be fostered by teaching pupils to respect the flag and to learn about American history. The public schools were expected to teach respect for America’s Founders, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the brave heroes who had died in their country’s wars. The Manual of Patriotism, addressed to those teachers, abounds with suggestions for fostering love of country. This was especially true of our public school teachers. America was flexing its muscles as a new great power and the great majority of its citizens were unashamedly patriotic. Two years before, Admiral George Dewey had humbled the Spanish fleet in Manila Bay and Teddy Roosevelt had marched his Rough Riders up San Juan Hill in Cuba. In 1900, our flag had only 45 stars Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona, Alaska, and Hawaii had not yet entered the Union. Many of the immigrants were inspired by the words of Emma Lazarus inscribed on the Statue of Liberty: “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free…” The 400-page volume, Manual of Patriotism, with an American flag on the cover was published 1n 1900 by the New York State department of schools.Īt that time, New York, indeed all America, was receiving tens of thousands of European immigrants and the major institution for teaching them English and American history was the public school system. The other day I ran across an old book with an enduring message - a nation without patriots cannot long endure.
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