"100% Americanism" was a slogan and ideology popular during World War I that promoted a singular, unquestioning form of American identity, encouraging immigrants to shed their old-world cultures and fully assimilate. It was driven by a belief that immigrants should adopt the Anglo-Protestant majority's ways to become fully American. While today the term is used to express the concept of complete and unqualified loyalty to American ideals like those in the Constitution, it is also associated with a more assimilationist and sometimes exclusive view of patriotism.
Core concepts
Assimilation:
A central tenet was the idea that immigrants should completely shed their previous cultural identities and adopt American customs, which was a more extreme version of the "melting pot" ideal.
Unwavering loyalty:
The "100%" aspect implies a complete and unqualified dedication to the United States, its values, and its government, with no room for other loyalties or cultural practices.
Patriotism and service:
The concept is linked to the actions and experiences of World War I veterans who felt they had become "straight Americans, one hundred percent Americans" after serving.
Modern interpretation
The phrase can be interpreted today as an emphasis on patriotism, civic duty, and respect for the rule of law, according to organizations like The VFW.
It is also used to advocate for specific policies, such as border security, strict immigration laws, and the designation of English as the official language, as seen in the VFW stances on immigration.
