Immigration in the Early 20th Century

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts from the topic of immigration policies and sentiments in the early 20th century.

Open Door Policy

A policy that promotes easy movement to America and encourages immigration.

Push Factors

Reasons that compel people to leave their home country, including poverty, job scarcity, and discrimination.

Pull Factors

Attractions that draw immigrants to a new country, such as better job opportunities and the American Dream.

Melting Pot

A term describing a diverse society where various nationalities blend but are often perceived to be treated equally.

Old Immigrants

Immigrants from North and West Europe, including English, German, and Scandinavian origin.

New Immigrants

Immigrants from South and East Europe, often treated poorly, including Italians, Greeks, and Polish.

Underclasses

Groups such as Black Americans and Native Americans who faced significant discrimination.

WASP

White Anglo-Saxon Protestant, often viewed as the ideal immigrant.

Closed Door Policy

A policy initiated by the United States to restrict immigration due to various social and economic concerns.

Literacy Test of 1917

A test imposed on immigrants that many poorer individuals could not pass, thus restricting their entry.

Emergency Quota Act of 1921

Legislation that limited immigration to 3% of a nationality based on the 1910 census.

National Origins Act of 1924

Legislation that reduced the immigration quota to 2% based on the 1890 census, favoring older European immigrants.

Red Scare

A period of intense fear regarding the rise of communism and its influence in America following the Russian Revolution.

Palmer Raids

Government actions led by Attorney General Mitchell Palmer to arrest suspected radicals and communists.

Sacco and Vanzetti Trial

A highly publicized case involving two Italian immigrants accused of murder, which highlighted issues of bias and injustice.

Anarchists

Individuals who believe in a society without government or authority.

Evidence against Sacco and Vanzetti

Included witness testimonies, their past convictions, and forensic evidence matching their firearm to the crime.

Evidence in defense of Sacco and Vanzetti

Included alibis from 107 witnesses, with some evidence suggesting wrongful conviction.

Racial Discrimination

Prejudice against individuals based on their race, highlighted during the Sacco and Vanzetti trial.

'Soviet Ark' Deportation

The deportation of many accused radicals during the Red Scare, referring to a large number sent away under suspicion.