The phrase 'In God We Trust' has been part of American culture for many years, but its formal introduction to paper currency came as part of a broader context of that nation's identity intertwined with religious sentiment. The motto was first used on U.S. coins in 1864, during the Civil War, a time when the country sought comfort and assurance from a higher power. With the rising tensions of the Cold War era, this motto took on additional significance as the United States distinguished itself from the non-religious ideologies of communism.

The U.S. Treasury Department's decision to inscribe 'In God We Trust' on paper currency was ratified after significant legislative discussions, reflecting a growing sentiment among lawmakers that the phrase embodied the moral fabric of American society. The motto was officially authorized to appear on the $1 notes of the 1957 series, transitioning it from coins into a medium of daily transactions used by millions of Americans.

This decision not only resonated with religious groups but also represented a cultural assertion of American values at a time when many citizens were concerned about the influence of atheism associated with communist regimes. The use of the phrase reinforced a sense of unity and identity among the American populace, cementing the relationship between faith and governance in public life.