Feathered Quill Book Reviews

 #Bookreview of American Salvation: How Immigrants Made America Great

By: Gregg Coodley

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

Publication Date: October 1, 2024

ISBN:‎ 979-8891324145

Reviewed by: Ephantus Muriuki

Review Date: September 8, 2024

Gregg Coodley's painstakingly researched historical book American Salvation: How Immigrants Made America Great focuses on the contributions that immigrants made to the US and emphasizes their importance in preserving the nation's prosperity as well as in advancing its economy, military, science, and culture.

It is no secret that a sizable portion of the US population demonizes immigrants and works to restrict or stop immigration. Coodley compares this manner of thinking to shooting oneself in the head and relates it to ignorance, misinformation, prejudice, and differences in opinion. To explain this, he starts by delving into the history of the American Revolution, providing important details on some of the most improbable heroes in US history who led the fight for freedom and growth. These individuals who were immigrants include Norfolk-born Thomas Paine, Portugal-born Peter Francisco, Poland-born Haym Salomon, Britain-born Robert Morris, Ireland-born Richard Montgomery, and Poland-born Thaddeus Kociuszko. Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the Caribbean island of Nevis, and Albert Gallatin, an immigrant from Switzerland, led the charge to create a new financial system for the United States following the Revolutionary War that began in 1775.

History claims that the British, Irish, German, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, and Finns were among those who immigrated to the US, the majority of them attracted by more favorable economic conditions than they could find back home. Coodley explores their struggles for labor rights and building robust companies that embodied the best aspects of prosperous capitalism. He does, however, assert that not everyone found immigration easy. He draws attention to the prejudice that existed against Russian Jews, Italians, Greeks, Slavs, and the Chinese, which eventually led to the creation of legislation that virtually forbade their admittance into the nation. Many people were denied the opportunity to move to the United States, the land of opportunity, mostly because they were not White Protestants of British ancestry. According to him, this was a setback that jeopardized the absorptive and transformational quality that had made America great throughout the years.

This book deftly and uniquely addresses a subject that has been the center of intense political and social discourse. It provides unadulterated facts and realities that might quell anti-immigrant attitude and encourage fresh thinking on the subject. The author has presented a novel reality on the rising population, giving the words of Kane significant weight and relevancy: “Being a nation of immigrants is a fundamental cause of the extraordinary prosperity and military power for the United States.” He has also provided the perfect answer for those who are concerned that immigrants are displacing Americans in the workforce. His findings make it difficult to ignore the debate on immigration's positive impacts, particularly on the US economy.

This book is filled with invaluable, thought-provoking, and paradigm-challenging material that challenges conventional wisdom. Written without influencing any specific political structure, it is rife with transformative potential that might ensure America's continued greatness. Among the best historical writings now in print, it is notable for its meticulous attention to the background from which America emerged. It is a read that makes use of well-chosen words, simple language, perceptive conclusions, and a basis of thoughtful analysis.

Quill says: Regardless of your position on immigration, Coodley provides convincing arguments to help clarify a divisive topic in American politics and culture. American Salvation: How Immigrants Made America Great transforms fear into hope and emphasizes the crucial part that everyone of us plays in determining our common destiny.