The phrase “In God We Trust” is so ubiquitous on United States currency that many Americans might assume it has always been there. However, the history of this national motto on U.S. money is more recent and nuanced than you might expect. Fueled by a recent lawsuit in Ohio seeking its removal, it’s a pertinent time to delve into the origins of “In God We Trust” and understand when and why it was added to American currency.
Civil War Era Origins: A Nation Seeking Divine Assurance
The addition of “In God We Trust” to U.S. coins first occurred during the tumultuous period of the Civil War. As the nation grappled with internal conflict and uncertainty, a surge of religious fervor swept through the populace. Many citizens felt a strong need to express the nation’s values and seek divine guidance. This sentiment was reflected in numerous letters sent to Secretary of the Treasury Salmon P. Chase, advocating for the inclusion of a religious phrase on national coinage.
Chase, recognizing the public mood and agreeing with the underlying rationale, championed the cause. His efforts led to Congressional approval, and an Act was passed authorizing the use of “In God We Trust.” The phrase itself was adapted from a lesser-known verse of Francis Scott Key’s “Star-Spangled Banner,” connecting it to patriotic and nationalistic sentiments. In 1864, this pivotal moment in American history culminated in the minting of the first two-cent coin bearing the inscription “In God We Trust,” marking its debut on U.S. currency.
Temporary Removal and Public Backlash in the Early 20th Century
As the memory of the Civil War receded into the past, so too did the intense religious fervor that accompanied it. By the turn of the 20th century, a different perspective emerged. President Theodore Roosevelt, a figure known for his progressive views, considered the blending of religious statements with commerce, or “God and Mammon,” to be inappropriate and even vulgar. In 1907, reflecting this viewpoint, he ordered the removal of “In God We Trust” from newly designed gold coins.
However, this decision ignited a significant public outcry. The American populace, having grown accustomed to the motto and perhaps still valuing its symbolic reassurance, strongly opposed its removal. Faced with this widespread public disapproval, Congress was compelled to reverse course and reinstate the motto on gold coins, demonstrating the deep-seated public sentiment attached to the phrase.
Mid-20th Century Expansion to Paper Currency
Despite its presence on some coins, “In God We Trust” was not yet a feature of all U.S. currency. It wasn’t until the mid-1950s, amidst the Cold War and a renewed emphasis on national identity and values, that the phrase’s reach expanded. In 1955, Congress mandated that “In God We Trust” should appear on all paper currency, further solidifying its place in American iconography. This directive resulted in the motto first appearing on paper money in 1957, completing its integration into the full spectrum of U.S. currency.
Legal Challenges and Contemporary Significance
Since its widespread adoption, “In God We Trust” has faced numerous legal challenges, often stemming from those advocating for a stricter separation of church and state. Lawsuits seeking to remove the motto from currency, and similarly to strike “under God” from the Pledge of Allegiance, have become recurring events in the American legal landscape.
However, these legal actions have consistently been unsuccessful. Courts have often adopted a view similar to that articulated by retired Supreme Court Justice William Brennan, who suggested in 1983 that phrases like “In God We Trust” have, over time, “lost any true religious significance.” This interpretation emphasizes the secular and symbolic nature of the motto in contemporary society, rather than its original religious connotations.
In conclusion, “In God We Trust” was added to U.S. money in stages, beginning with coins during the Civil War in 1864 and expanding to paper currency in 1957. Its journey reflects shifts in American history, from wartime anxieties to Cold War national identity, and continues to be a subject of debate regarding the role of religion in public life.
