Looking Backwards: Emerson in 1903

Abstract

Describes America in 1903, the centennial of Emerson’s birth. Notes that the influence of captains of industry, the impact of the Spanish-American War, and the significance of immigration all were factors that led on one hand to the promise of fulfillment of the American Dream, but these existed side by side with racism, poverty, political corruption, and oppressive working conditions. Claims, however, that because optimism prevailed and the Progressive Era was about to emerge, the one hundredth anniversary of Emerson’s birth was widely celebrated throughout the nation: reformers found in him the answer to the nation’s ills while conservatives found in him ample confirmation of the status quo. Concludes virtually all agreed that he would provide invaluable guidance to the young nation during what would ultimately become known as The American Century.