Filipino Americans, like other American populations, are not an absolute group that evolved in a vacuum. This book documents how they emerged and grew within the larger context of political forces, the prevailing social order, rights and responsibilities of individuals, economic well being, and the American Dream. In doing so, Filipino Americans became active participants in the American democracy, a crucial step because the 21st century will be defined not so much by the color line but by a more basic human relationship: the sustained commitment and shared sacrifice by adults for the well being of future generations.