Americans by Choice

A sweeping, collaborative study from the early 1920s, this volume examines how newcomers and native-born citizens intertwine in the everyday fabric of American life. Compiled under the direction of a leading social‑researcher and funded by the Carnegie Corporation, it brings together experts from education, health, law, journalism and labor to illustrate real‑world practices rather than abstract theory. The introduction frames “Americanization” as a two‑way exchange, where both established and arriving communities contribute to a shared, evolving national identity. Readers gain a clear sense of the era’s optimism about building a more inclusive society through practical cooperation.

The work is part of an eleven‑volume series, each dedicated to a specific arena such as immigrant schooling, neighborhood agencies, legal protection, public health, and industrial integration. Detailed case studies reveal how schools adapted curricula, how local presses served bilingual audiences, and how community clinics addressed new health challenges. By documenting concrete programs and the people who ran them, the book offers a valuable reference for scholars, policymakers, and anyone curious about the foundations of modern immigrant support systems. Its balanced tone and rich examples make it both informative and accessible.