WASP facts for kids

A WASP is a term that stands for White Anglo-Saxon Protestant. It describes a group of white people in the United States who are usually from British families and follow the Protestant Christian faith. For a long time, many WASP families were very wealthy and had strong connections in society.

Who Are WASPs?

The word WASP is an acronym, which means each letter stands for a different word.

• White: This refers to people of European descent.
• Anglo-Saxon: This part points to their heritage, often from England or other parts of Great Britain. Many of these families came to America a long time ago.
• Protestant: This means they belong to one of the many Christian churches that are not Catholic, such as Episcopal, Presbyterian, or Methodist.

WASPs have often been seen as a social group that has had a lot of influence in American history. They were traditionally known for being well-educated and holding important positions.

Their History and Influence

For many years, WASPs held a lot of power and influence in the United States. They were often leaders in:

• Politics: Many early presidents and government officials were WASPs.
• Business: They often owned large companies and banks.
• Education: They played a big role in founding and leading many famous universities.
• Society: They set many of the social rules and traditions.

This group's influence was strongest from the founding of the United States up until the middle of the 20th century. They were often at the top of society.

Are They Still Powerful Today?

Today, the influence of WASPs is not as strong as it once was. The United States has become much more diverse, with people from many different backgrounds and religions holding important positions.

However, WASPs still have a presence in many important areas. You can still find them in leading roles in:

• Major financial companies
• Large business corporations
• Important legal firms
• Universities

While they are no longer the only powerful group, they remain a significant part of American society.

Images for kids

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  Washington National Cathedral, the Episcopal cathedral in Washington, D.C.

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  Harvard College was primarily white and Protestant into the 20th century.

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  View of Manhattan's Upper East Side, which has traditionally been dominated by WASP families.

See also

In Spanish: White Anglo-Saxon Protestant para niños