America Will Not Turn Back
The poem is a call to action, urging Americans to continue striving for progress and freedom. It argues that the country has made significant advancements in terms of equality, justice, and democracy, and that turning back would be a betrayal of its founding principles. The speaker emphasizes the importance of perseverance, citing the struggles of pioneers, abolitionists, and suffragettes who fought for their rights. The poem concludes by reaffirming America's commitment to moving forward, embracing its diversity, and fostering a more just society.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1917 · Genre: Poetry, Patriotic Literature, Political Literature · 236 words
First lines
WOODROW WILSON
America will not turn back; / She did not idly start, / But weighed full carefully and well / Her grave, important part. / She chose the part of Freedom's friend, / And will pursue it, to the end.
Great Liberty, who guards her gates, / Will shine upon her course, / And light the long, adventurous path / With radiance from God's Source. / And though blood dye that ocean track, / America will not turn back.
She will not turn until that hour / When thunders through the world / The crash of tyrant monarchies / By Freedom's hand down-hurled. / While Labour's voice from sea to sea / Sings loud, ‘My country, 'tis of thee.'
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Patriotic Literature — The themes revolve around national pride, freedom, and the role of America in global affairs.
- Political Literature — The content addresses political themes, including democracy, freedom, and the downfall of tyrannies.
- Inspirational — The tone and message aim to inspire and motivate readers towards a cause.
Tags
Patriotism · American History · Women's Rights · Social Justice · Poetry · Inspirational · Motivational · Progressive Thinking · Equality · Freedom · Democracy · Human Rights
What this Textopian page supports
America Will Not Turn Back is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1917 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Date: 1917 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Patriotic Literature, Political Literature, Inspirational
- Length: 236 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for America Will Not Turn Back by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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