The phrase "In God We Trust" is the official national motto of the United States. It appears on U.S. currency, coins, and in government contexts, signifying a foundational trust in a divine entity within American civic life.
Simple Meaning
The motto translates to "We trust in God," expressing collective faith in a higher power as a core American value. It reflects historical influences from Judeo-Christian traditions, emphasizing national unity and reliance on divine guidance rather than secular ideologies.
History Explained
Key events trace back to the 19th century:
- 1864: The phrase debuted on the U.S. two-cent coin during the Civil War, advocated by Secretary of the Treasury Salmon P. Chase to invoke divine protection.
- 1956: Congress passed legislation (Public Law 84-140) making it the official national motto, largely in response to Cold War tensions to counter atheistic communism.
- Ongoing: Since 1938, it has been mandatory on all U.S. coins, and from 1957, on paper currency, reinforcing its role in American identity.
This evolution underscores its integration into national symbolism without constitutional establishment of religion, debated periodically but upheld by courts as a historical artifact.
