Index IntroductionOrigins of the oath of allegianceEvolution of the oathControversies over the oath1. Removing commitment from public schools2. "Under God" and religious freedom3. Patriotism vs. CompulsionConclusionIntroductionThe Pledge of Allegiance, a concise expression of patriotism and loyalty, has played a significant role in American culture and history. This essay examines the origins of the Pledge of Allegiance and its evolution over time. It also delves 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 Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Origins of the Pledge of Allegiance The Pledge of Allegiance was composed by Francis Bellamy, a Baptist minister and socialist, in 1892. It was originally written as part of a campaign to promote patriotism and national unity during 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 said: "I pledge allegiance to my flag and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." 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 purpose was to instill a sense of national pride and unity among Americans. Evolution of the Oath The Oath of Allegiance has undergone several revisions since its inception. In 1923, the words "my flag" were changed to "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." it was a response to the Cold War and the perceived threat of atheistic communism. It 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, as it intertwines patriotism with religious faith. Oath Controversies1. Removal of the Promise from Public Schools Legal controversies arose over the mandatory recitation of the Promise in public schools in the 20th century. The 1943 Supreme Court case of West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette established that students could not be forced to recite the Pledge if it violated their religious beliefs or conscience. This decision affirmed the protection of free speech and religious freedom in schools. It exemplifies the ongoing tension between patriotism and individual freedoms. The Barnette case recognized that mandatory recitation of the Pledge could violate students' First Amendment rights. He stressed the importance of preserving individual freedom of conscience and belief, including in the context of expressions of patriotism. Although the ruling protected students from being forced to participate, it did not ban the Pledge but rather affirmed the rights of those who chose not to recite it. Despite legal protection of student rights, debates over reciting the Pledge in public schools continue to be heated. this day. Some argue that its inclusion in activities..