“Remember, remember Source always, that all of us, and you and I especially, are descended from immigrants and revolutionists.”
These powerful words from President Franklin D. Roosevelt resonate deeply in modern discussions about immigration. They serve as a poignant reminder of America’s foundational identity. However, to truly grasp their weight, we must look beyond the simple phrase. We need to explore the turbulent historical context in which FDR spoke them. This was a time of economic depression, global conflict, and intense national debate over who belonged in America.
Understanding the era reveals the quote as more than just an idealistic statement. It was a calculated piece of rhetoric. Roosevelt deployed it strategically to challenge the nativist and isolationist sentiments growing across the nation. Therefore, examining this period helps us appreciate the quote’s full significance.
The Great Depression and Rising Xenophobia
The 1930s were a period of immense hardship in the United States. The Great Depression left millions unemployed and desperate. Consequently, this economic anxiety fueled a powerful wave of xenophobia. Many Americans viewed immigrants not as newcomers seeking opportunity, but as competitors for scarce jobs and resources. This sentiment created a challenging environment for any pro-immigration rhetoric.
Furthermore, isolationism became a dominant political ideology. After the trauma of World War I, many citizens wanted to withdraw from international affairs. This desire extended to closing the nation’s borders. Political leaders found it difficult to advocate for more open immigration policies. Public opinion was strongly against it. Roosevelt, therefore, had to navigate this hostile climate carefully whenever he addressed the topic.
The Impact of Restrictive Laws
The political landscape was already shaped by restrictive legislation. Source The Immigration Act of 1924, also known as the National Origins Act, had established a strict quota system years earlier. This law severely limited the number of immigrants allowed into the country. . The system heavily favored immigrants from Northern and Western Europe. In contrast, it drastically cut numbers from Southern and Eastern Europe.
This quota system had profound effects. It shaped the demographic makeup of the country for decades. It also created immense hurdles for those seeking refuge from rising turmoil in Europe, particularly Jewish people fleeing Nazi persecution. While Roosevelt expressed private sympathy, his administration’s public actions were often constrained by these laws and the prevailing anti-immigrant mood. As a result, the number of refugees admitted during this period was tragically low.
A Rhetorical Challenge to the Establishment
Roosevelt often delivered his famous line to a very specific audience: established, wealthy, and often conservative groups. One of the most notable instances was a 1938 speech to the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). The DAR prided itself on its members’ lineage, tracing their ancestry back to the nation’s founders. They were, in many ways, the gatekeepers of American identity.
By reminding them that their revered ancestors were also