Stuff You Should Know Short Stuff: The Pledge of Allegiance
Mar 18, 2020
Discover the surprising origins of the Pledge of Allegiance, initially created as a marketing tool for a children's magazine. Dive into the ideologies of Francis Bellamy and how his vision of America was shaped by the societal context of the 1890s. Learn about the Pledge's evolution post-Civil War and its role in fostering patriotism in schools. Uncover the controversial addition of 'under God' in 1954 and the significant Supreme Court decisions that have shaped its recitation. It's a deep dive into a seemingly simple declaration!
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Marketing Origins
- The Pledge of Allegiance originated as a marketing tactic for a magazine called The Youth Companion.
- It aimed to promote patriotism and Americanization, especially among immigrant children.
Bellamy's Vision
- Francis Bellamy, the Pledge's author, was a Christian socialist who saw public schools as crucial for integrating immigrants.
- He aimed to instill American values in children through the Pledge.
Public Schools and Factories
- The rise of public schools post-Civil War presented an opportunity to shape children into factory workers.
- Schools focused on teaching obedience and discipline for factory work.