Making Catholic America

Making Catholic America by William S. Cossen explores how Catholic men and women worked to establish themselves as integral members of American society from the Civil War era through the early 20th century. Challenging the notion of outsiders, Catholics in this period claimed leadership and helped shape American history, positioning their faith as central to the nation’s identity and ideals. The book offers a fresh perspective on American life during the Gilded Age and Progressive Era, highlighting the group's remarkable success in embedding itself within the national community.