Speech #920239402

It played a prominent role in creating national unity among the many diverging forces within the new society. Poets. writers. historians. and artists were among those who were able to work through the schools to create a national heritage. During the 19th century the schools were a crucial factor in the absorption of millions of immigrants who streamed into America. They offered not only the place to learn a common language. but were instrumental in creating a new American people with a sense of national identity and hope for the future out of the divergent multiethnic newcomers. Today the schools are still serving the American people as they did in the past.