Table of ContentsIntroductionOrigins of the Oath of AllegianceEvolution of the OathControversies Surrounding the Oath1. Removal of commitment from public schools2. “Under God” and religious freedom3. Patriotism versus DuressConclusionIntroductionThe Pledge of Allegiance, a concise expression of patriotism and loyalty, has played an important role in American culture and history. This essay examines the origins of the Pledge of Allegiance and its evolution over time. Additionally, it delves deeper into the controversies surrounding the pledge, which reflect broader debates about patriotism, religion, and civil liberties. Controversial issues, such as the removal of the Pledge from public schools and the inclusion of the phrase "under God", have sparked debates about the role of religion in public life and the limits of civil liberties. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayOrigins of the Pledge of AllegianceThe Pledge of Allegiance was composed by Francis Bellamy, a Baptist minister and socialist, in 1892. He Originally written as part of a campaign to promote patriotism and national unity on the 400th anniversary of the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas. The initial version of Bellamy's pledge did not include the words "under God" and read: "I pledge allegiance to my flag and to the Republic for which it represents, one nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all . » The pledge was first published in The Youth's Companion magazine and quickly gained popularity. It has been adopted by schools, civic organizations and government agencies across the United States. The goal was to instill a sense of national pride and unity among Americans. Evolution of the Pledge of Allegiance The Pledge of Allegiance has undergone several revisions since its creation. In 1923, the words "my flag" were replaced with "the flag of the United States of America." The most significant change occurred in 1954, when President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill that added the phrase "under God" to the pledge. The revised version read: “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. » The inclusion of "under God" was a response to the Cold War and the perceived threat of atheistic communism. This was seen as a way to distinguish the United States as a nation rooted in religious faith. This addition, however, has been a source of controversy, because it associates patriotism with religious belief.Controversies surrounding commitment1. Removal of the Pledge from Public SchoolsIn the 20th century, legal challenges arose over the mandatory recitation of the pledge in public schools. In West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette's 1943 Supreme Court ruled that students could not be forced to recite the pledge if it violated their religious beliefs or conscience. This decision affirms the protection of free speech and religious freedom in schools. This illustrates the ongoing tension between patriotism and individual freedoms. The Barnette case recognized that mandatory recitation of the pledge could infringe on students' First Amendment rights. He stressed the importance of preserving individual freedom of conscience and belief, even in the context of expressions of patriotism. Although the decision protects students from forced participation, it does not prohibit the Pledge but rather affirms the rights of..