Attitudes Towards Immigration

Introduction

Throughout its early history, America had always been a place that was welcoming to immigrants. After 1880 America entered a period of fast economic growth and needed increasing numbers of factory workers for the growing number of factory jobs; this was a haven for some and for others it was an opportunity to escape oppression, poverty and discrimination and live the American Dream. All immigrants came to America looking for a better life and the pursuit of happiness. Between 1900 and 1915 more than 15 million immigrants arrived in the USA. However, this ‘Open Door’ policy ended in the 1920’s.

Isolationism: Analysis

The legislation passed signified a shift in attitudes towards immigration. This highlighted that institutional racism towards the new immigrants, were previously there had been an open-door policy. This resulted in a drop of numbers in new immigrants.

Isolationism: Analysis+

However, it could be argued that acceptance of racial differences was already a melting pool of races, cultures, religions, and nationalities was proof that in the towns and cities of the USA showed the attitudes may only be changing amongst the elites and not amongst many of the ordinary Americans

Fear of Revolution: Analysis+

However, whilst Americans were shocked about the bombing and the events surrounding the Scare, such events quickly faded from their memory, and they got on with their daily lives as normal

Fear of Revolution: Analysis

It was the changing nature in particular the political ideas of some immigrants that led to an increase in hatred directed towards and increased controls by the authorities. The Palmer Raids reinforced the Red Scare due to its publicity it created in the newspapers

Prejuduce and Racism: Analysis

Attitudes changed around new immigrants as people became worried about them diluting the culture that was already established. The Dillingham Commission supported this theory and lent it the full backing of the Federal government

Prejudice and Racism: Analysis+

However, it could be argued that the federal government played a pragmatic hand as they used the image of the statue of liberty to encourage immigrants to join the war effort and were aware of the positive impact immigrants could have on the economy

Social Fears: Amalysis

The impact that housing and crime had on Americans was one of creating a fear based on their day to day lives. These basic fears were supported by sensationalised newspaper articles and movies

Social Fears: Analysis+

However, the problems of America were not confined to just immigrants, many native born Americans were also living in poverty and committing crimes

Social Fears: Histroioraphy

“They became the symbol of a divided nation”- Susan Mary-Grant

Main factors

• industrialisation

• fear of revolution

• prejudice and racism

• social fears

• economic fears