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change of attitude towards Immigration in the USA Esaay
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3 Jul 2025
•
Changing Attitudes Towards Immigration in the 1920s - Higher History USA Essay
Eleyza
@eleyza_1
Early Immigration Patterns and Policy Shifts
The United States experienced significant changes in its immigration patterns and policies from the 19th to the early 20th century. Initially, the country maintained an open door immigration policy, welcoming immigrants primarily from Northern Europe. However, this attitude shifted dramatically with the arrival of "new immigrants" from Southern and Eastern Europe.
Definition: Open door immigration policy refers to the welcoming approach towards immigrants that the United States maintained from 1820 to 1880.
The change in immigrant demographics led to growing concerns among native-born Americans. The Dillingham Commission of 1907 attempted to restrict European immigration through literacy tests, making it difficult for non-English speaking immigrants to enter the country.
Example: The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 banned Chinese labor immigration, indicating that restrictive attitudes predated the 1920s.
Various factors contributed to the changing attitudes towards immigration, including:
- Isolationism
- Economic fears
- Fears of revolution
- Social fears
- Racism and prejudice
The essay argues that among these factors, racism and prejudice were the most influential in shaping new immigration policies.
Vocabulary: Laissez-faire policy - A hands-off approach by the government, allowing events to take their natural course without interference.
Factors Influencing Immigration Attitudes
Isolationism and Economic Concerns
Isolationism played a role in shaping immigration laws, as the United States sought to distance itself from European affairs. This was evident in the country's refusal to join the League of Nations. However, the impact of isolationism was limited, as restrictive attitudes towards immigration existed before World War I, as demonstrated by the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882.
Economic fears also contributed to changing attitudes towards immigration. Native-born Americans were concerned about immigrants taking jobs and potentially threatening the capitalist system. However, these fears were often exaggerated, as immigrants typically took low-paying jobs in poor conditions.
Highlight: The essay argues that economic fears had a limited impact on changing attitudes, as immigrants primarily sought to improve their lives and provide for their families.
Fears of Revolution and Social Concerns
The Russian Revolution of 1917 sparked fears of communist influence in America. This led to events like the Palmer Raids, where thousands of suspected communists and anarchists were arrested. However, the actual threat was minimal, with only about 0.01% of the population being communist.
Social fears, particularly related to organized crime, also influenced attitudes towards immigrants. The growth of the Italian mafia and the prohibition era led to stereotypes associating immigrants with high crime rates. However, these perceptions were often exaggerated by the media and failed to account for the poor living conditions many immigrants faced.
Example: The construction of the Empire State Building in New York City was often attributed to immigrant labor, highlighting both the contributions and stereotypes associated with immigrant workers.
Racism and Prejudice: The Primary Factors
The essay argues that racism and prejudice were the most significant factors in changing attitudes towards immigration in 1920s America. This is evidenced by the growth of nativist organizations and policies that explicitly favored certain ethnic groups over others.
The Ku Klux Klan experienced a resurgence in the 1920s, with membership reaching 100,000 by 1921. The KKK promoted a nativist policy, advocating for the interests of native-born citizens against immigrants. Their ability to openly march in Washington, D.C. to protest for a closed-door policy demonstrates the prevalence of racist attitudes.
Quote: "Protecting the interest of native-born citizens against immigration" became a popular mindset in post-war America.
The essay concludes that while other factors such as isolationism, economic fears, and social concerns played a role in changing attitudes towards immigration, racism and prejudice were the most influential. This is reflected in policies like the Immigration Act of 1924, which established quotas favoring immigrants from Northern and Western Europe over those from Southern and Eastern Europe.
Vocabulary: Nativism - The policy of protecting the interests of native-born or established inhabitants against those of immigrants.
In summary, the changing attitudes towards immigration in 1920s America were primarily driven by racist and prejudiced views, leading to more restrictive policies and a shift away from the earlier open door approach.
Immigration Policy Changes in 1920s America
The United States experienced a significant shift in its immigration policies during the 1920s, moving from an open door approach to more restrictive measures. This change was influenced by various factors, with racism and prejudice playing a central role.
Key points:
- From 1820-1880, "old immigrants" from Northern Europe were welcomed
- 1880-1920 saw the arrival of "new immigrants" from Southern and Eastern Europe
- The Immigration Act of 1924 marked a turning point in U.S. immigration policy
- Factors influencing policy changes included racism, isolationism, and economic fears
- The Ku Klux Klan's growth reflected increasing nativist sentiments
Highlight: The essay argues that racism and prejudice were the most significant factors in changing attitudes towards immigration in 1920s America.
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Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
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This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
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The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
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In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
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very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Changing Attitudes Towards Immigration in the 1920s - Higher History USA Essay
Eleyza
@eleyza_1
The Higher History USA issue 1 essay on changing attitudes towards immigration in the 1920sexplores the shift from an open door policy to restrictive immigration laws. This change was driven by factors including racism, isolationism, economic concerns, and fears... Show more
Early Immigration Patterns and Policy Shifts
The United States experienced significant changes in its immigration patterns and policies from the 19th to the early 20th century. Initially, the country maintained an open door immigration policy, welcoming immigrants primarily from Northern Europe. However, this attitude shifted dramatically with the arrival of "new immigrants" from Southern and Eastern Europe.
Definition: Open door immigration policy refers to the welcoming approach towards immigrants that the United States maintained from 1820 to 1880.
The change in immigrant demographics led to growing concerns among native-born Americans. The Dillingham Commission of 1907 attempted to restrict European immigration through literacy tests, making it difficult for non-English speaking immigrants to enter the country.
Example: The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 banned Chinese labor immigration, indicating that restrictive attitudes predated the 1920s.
Various factors contributed to the changing attitudes towards immigration, including:
- Isolationism
- Economic fears
- Fears of revolution
- Social fears
- Racism and prejudice
The essay argues that among these factors, racism and prejudice were the most influential in shaping new immigration policies.
Vocabulary: Laissez-faire policy - A hands-off approach by the government, allowing events to take their natural course without interference.
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Factors Influencing Immigration Attitudes
Isolationism and Economic Concerns
Isolationism played a role in shaping immigration laws, as the United States sought to distance itself from European affairs. This was evident in the country's refusal to join the League of Nations. However, the impact of isolationism was limited, as restrictive attitudes towards immigration existed before World War I, as demonstrated by the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882.
Economic fears also contributed to changing attitudes towards immigration. Native-born Americans were concerned about immigrants taking jobs and potentially threatening the capitalist system. However, these fears were often exaggerated, as immigrants typically took low-paying jobs in poor conditions.
Highlight: The essay argues that economic fears had a limited impact on changing attitudes, as immigrants primarily sought to improve their lives and provide for their families.
Fears of Revolution and Social Concerns
The Russian Revolution of 1917 sparked fears of communist influence in America. This led to events like the Palmer Raids, where thousands of suspected communists and anarchists were arrested. However, the actual threat was minimal, with only about 0.01% of the population being communist.
Social fears, particularly related to organized crime, also influenced attitudes towards immigrants. The growth of the Italian mafia and the prohibition era led to stereotypes associating immigrants with high crime rates. However, these perceptions were often exaggerated by the media and failed to account for the poor living conditions many immigrants faced.
Example: The construction of the Empire State Building in New York City was often attributed to immigrant labor, highlighting both the contributions and stereotypes associated with immigrant workers.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Racism and Prejudice: The Primary Factors
The essay argues that racism and prejudice were the most significant factors in changing attitudes towards immigration in 1920s America. This is evidenced by the growth of nativist organizations and policies that explicitly favored certain ethnic groups over others.
The Ku Klux Klan experienced a resurgence in the 1920s, with membership reaching 100,000 by 1921. The KKK promoted a nativist policy, advocating for the interests of native-born citizens against immigrants. Their ability to openly march in Washington, D.C. to protest for a closed-door policy demonstrates the prevalence of racist attitudes.
Quote: "Protecting the interest of native-born citizens against immigration" became a popular mindset in post-war America.
The essay concludes that while other factors such as isolationism, economic fears, and social concerns played a role in changing attitudes towards immigration, racism and prejudice were the most influential. This is reflected in policies like the Immigration Act of 1924, which established quotas favoring immigrants from Northern and Western Europe over those from Southern and Eastern Europe.
Vocabulary: Nativism - The policy of protecting the interests of native-born or established inhabitants against those of immigrants.
In summary, the changing attitudes towards immigration in 1920s America were primarily driven by racist and prejudiced views, leading to more restrictive policies and a shift away from the earlier open door approach.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
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Immigration Policy Changes in 1920s America
The United States experienced a significant shift in its immigration policies during the 1920s, moving from an open door approach to more restrictive measures. This change was influenced by various factors, with racism and prejudice playing a central role.
Key points:
- From 1820-1880, "old immigrants" from Northern Europe were welcomed
- 1880-1920 saw the arrival of "new immigrants" from Southern and Eastern Europe
- The Immigration Act of 1924 marked a turning point in U.S. immigration policy
- Factors influencing policy changes included racism, isolationism, and economic fears
- The Ku Klux Klan's growth reflected increasing nativist sentiments
Highlight: The essay argues that racism and prejudice were the most significant factors in changing attitudes towards immigration in 1920s America.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
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4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user