INTRODUCTORY

The problem of proper adjustment of the foreign ethnic groups
in our midst to the life of America—^popularly termed "Americaniza¬
tion"—was a subject of great interest even before the War. Now, in
the aftermath, a heightened national consciousness has made of this
question one of those burning issues w^hich it is difficult, nay im¬
possible, to discuss without stirring deep prejudices. Patriotism
intensified by the experience of war immediately conjures up the
spectre of foreign intrigue whenever the subject of the imassimilated
immigrant is broached. In addition, the problem has become
associated in men's minds with the whole discussion of internal
political and industrial reorganization which seems to many to
threaten the stability of present forms of government. Closely
linked with the fear of foreign enemies and with the apprehension of
"Bolshevistic" revolution, it is small wonder that much of what is
said nowadays concerning "Americanization" savors of hysteria.

It may be urged that in such critical times as these only drastic
measures are expedient. Our own recent experiences in the war,
however, have sufficiently demonstrated that even in those moments
when the need for action seems most urgent a decision which reckons
with the fundamental principles involved serves not only justice
and the right, but also in the end the practical. The war was won
only because men had come to believe that they were fighting for a
basic principle—for democracy.^ A careful analysis with reference
to fundamental principles becomes all the more necessary because our
problem is a pressing one. What are the implications of democracy
for the relations of foreign ethnic groups to the state? This question
requires clear thinking, because we should seek to be true to the
fundamental concept of American thought; the correct answer will
avert failure in the practical task confronting us.

This book attempts a critical study of our question with special
reference to the problem of the Jewish group.    What place has the

'Likewise, if in the end the hope for a lasting peace shall prove to have been empty,
it will be because the fundamental principles, the proclamation of which had won the
war, were forgotten in the final settlement.