The phrase, E pluribus Unum (out of many, one) had been an ideal that had served the United States well for well over one hundred and fifty years. Although the nation was never able to live up to its ideal in a perfect manner, it was the Presidency of Franklin Roosevelt that took the first concrete steps to undermine this ideal. Before his election, the question in campaigns seemed to be, “what is good for the country”; Roosevelt by focusing on specific segments of the populace began to promise that government largess would be given in return for votes. This process continued but was greatly expanded during the 1960s when different grievous groups (Blacks, women, etc.) began to demand their share of the government largess.
Mr. Gonzalez in this article provides an excellent history of the rise of a new group, the “Hispanics” who turned away from their traditional image to find a new one, one which could apply for and receive government largess. It is an interesting read. https://claremontreviewofbooks.com/the-invention-of-hispanics/
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