The Makings and Unmakings of Americans: Indians and Immigrants in American Literature and Culture, 1879-1924

Cristina Stanciu's book challenges the myth of the United States as a nation of immigrants by bringing together Native Americans and Eastern European immigrants during the Progressive Era. It explores how these two groups shaped intellectual and cultural debates over inclusion and exclusion, challenging ideas of national belonging and citizenship. The book is based on a wide range of archival materials and shows that Native Americans and new immigrants faced similar obstacles to citizenship and resisted assimilation and Americanization.

Format: Hardback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 28 March 2023
Publisher: Yale University Press

In this captivating cultural history of Americanization during the Progressive Era, Cristina Stanciu takes us on a journey to challenge the pervasive myth of the United States as a nation solely composed of immigrants. Stanciu skillfully weaves together two groups that are often overlooked in discussions about Americanization: Native Americans and Eastern European immigrants. Through a rich tapestry of Indigenous and new immigrant writing and visual culture, including congressional acts, testimonies, news reports, cartoons, poetry, fiction, and silent film, Stanciu unveils the intricate interplay between these two groups in shaping the intellectual and cultural debates surrounding inclusion and exclusion.

What emerges from this profound exploration is a nuanced understanding of the challenges and complexities faced by both Native Americans and new immigrants as they navigated the treacherous path toward citizenship. While their legal and cultural obstacles differed, their shared resistance to assimilation and Americanization ran parallel, fueled by their desire to maintain their distinct identities and assert their agency.

Stanciu's book goes beyond mere retelling of historical events. She delves deep into the experiences of these individuals, shedding light on their struggles, triumphs, and the ways in which they expanded the narrow definitions of American identity. By highlighting their contributions to literature, art, and politics, Stanciu underscores the profound impact that Native Americans and new immigrants had on shaping the fabric of American society.

Through her meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Stanciu challenges us to rethink our preconceived notions of Americanization. She reminds us that the process of becoming American was not just about adopting cultural norms and values but also about the complex negotiations and struggles that individuals faced as they sought to assert their place within a rapidly changing nation.

In conclusion, "Americanization and the Shaping of Native and Immigrant Identities" is a groundbreaking work that offers a fresh perspective on the complex history of Americanization. By bringing together Native Americans and Eastern European immigrants, Stanciu challenges us to reexamine our assumptions and appreciate the rich tapestry of diverse voices that have contributed to the shaping of American identity. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of cultural integration, citizenship, and the ongoing struggle for social justice in the United States.

Weight: 708g
Dimension: 166 x 245 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300224351