Immigration in 1920s America saw a significant shift from the... Show more
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
22
2
Lauren
08/10/2025
History
Changing attitudes essay
1,353
•
8 Oct 2025
•
Changing Attitudes Towards Immigration in 1920s America Essay
Lauren
@lauren_b
Changing Attitudes Towards Immigration in the 1920s
The 1920s marked a significant shift in American immigration policy, moving away from the previous "open door" approach. This change was primarily driven by social fears, racism, concerns about revolution, and economic anxieties.
Definition: "Open door policy" referred to America's previous stance of allowing unrestricted immigration.
The influx of "new immigrants" from Southern and Eastern Europe was perceived as a threat to American society and culture by the established "old immigrants." This led to the implementation of more stringent entry requirements, such as literacy tests.
Highlight: The essay argues that social fears were the main reason for changing attitudes towards immigration in the 1920s.
Racism and prejudice played a significant role in shaping attitudes towards immigrants. New immigrants, often Catholics and Jews from countries like Russia, Poland, and Italy, faced discrimination from Protestant "old immigrants." The Ku Klux Klan gained prominence during this period, promoting anti-Catholic and anti-Semitic views.
Example: The KKK was allowed to march through Washington D.C., indicating a level of acceptance for racist views.
Social fears emerged as the primary factor in changing attitudes towards immigration. Immigrants were blamed for housing shortages and poor living conditions in cities. This led to "old immigrants" moving to suburbs, further segregating communities.
Vocabulary: "Red Scare" refers to the fear of communist influence and revolution in the United States.
Fears of revolution, sparked by the 1917 Russian Revolution and labor unrest in the US, contributed to anti-immigrant sentiment. The "Red Scare" of 1919 led to deportations and heightened suspicion of foreigners.
Economic fears also played a role, as returning soldiers competed with immigrants for jobs in the post-war economy. However, this was not the main factor, as immigrants often took jobs that Americans were unwilling to do.
Quote: "Social fears was the main reason compared to economic fears for changing attitudes as Sacco and Vanzetti were sentenced to death with little evidence that they were guilty which shows the fear of immigrants."
In conclusion, while racism, fears of revolution, and economic concerns all contributed to changing attitudes towards immigration in 1920s America, social fears emerged as the primary driving force behind the shift in public opinion and policy.
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
App Store
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
Changing Attitudes Towards Immigration in 1920s America Essay
Lauren
@lauren_b
Immigration in 1920s America saw a significant shift from the previous "open door" policy to more restrictive measures. This change was driven by various factors, with social fears emerging as the primary catalyst for altering attitudes towards immigrants.
- Social fears... Show more
Changing Attitudes Towards Immigration in the 1920s
The 1920s marked a significant shift in American immigration policy, moving away from the previous "open door" approach. This change was primarily driven by social fears, racism, concerns about revolution, and economic anxieties.
Definition: "Open door policy" referred to America's previous stance of allowing unrestricted immigration.
The influx of "new immigrants" from Southern and Eastern Europe was perceived as a threat to American society and culture by the established "old immigrants." This led to the implementation of more stringent entry requirements, such as literacy tests.
Highlight: The essay argues that social fears were the main reason for changing attitudes towards immigration in the 1920s.
Racism and prejudice played a significant role in shaping attitudes towards immigrants. New immigrants, often Catholics and Jews from countries like Russia, Poland, and Italy, faced discrimination from Protestant "old immigrants." The Ku Klux Klan gained prominence during this period, promoting anti-Catholic and anti-Semitic views.
Example: The KKK was allowed to march through Washington D.C., indicating a level of acceptance for racist views.
Social fears emerged as the primary factor in changing attitudes towards immigration. Immigrants were blamed for housing shortages and poor living conditions in cities. This led to "old immigrants" moving to suburbs, further segregating communities.
Vocabulary: "Red Scare" refers to the fear of communist influence and revolution in the United States.
Fears of revolution, sparked by the 1917 Russian Revolution and labor unrest in the US, contributed to anti-immigrant sentiment. The "Red Scare" of 1919 led to deportations and heightened suspicion of foreigners.
Economic fears also played a role, as returning soldiers competed with immigrants for jobs in the post-war economy. However, this was not the main factor, as immigrants often took jobs that Americans were unwilling to do.
Quote: "Social fears was the main reason compared to economic fears for changing attitudes as Sacco and Vanzetti were sentenced to death with little evidence that they were guilty which shows the fear of immigrants."
In conclusion, while racism, fears of revolution, and economic concerns all contributed to changing attitudes towards immigration in 1920s America, social fears emerged as the primary driving force behind the shift in public opinion and policy.
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.
22
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay
Similar content
Impact of the Atlantic Slave Trade
Explore the profound effects of the Atlantic Slave Trade on Britain and Africa, including economic growth, abolitionist movements, and the brutal realities of slavery. This summary covers key concepts such as the triangular trade, middle passage, and the social and cultural impacts of slavery. Ideal for students studying the National 5 SQA curriculum.
HistoryS4
Scottish Emigration Factors
Explore the key reasons behind Scottish emigration, including economic decline, family ties, and the search for better living conditions. This summary covers the impact of the potato blight, forced emigration, and the allure of urban opportunities. Ideal for higher history students studying migration and the empire.
HistoryS5
Scottish Migration & Empire Insights
Explore the key factors driving Scottish migration and its impact on the British Empire. This comprehensive summary covers the push and pull factors of emigration, the contributions of Scots in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, and the effects of migration on Scotland's economy and society. Ideal for SQA Higher History students preparing for Paper 2.
HistoryS5
Migration's Impact on Scotland
Explore the profound effects of migration and the British Empire on Scotland's economy, culture, and society. This summary covers key diasporic communities, including the Irish, Italians, Jews, and Lithuanians, and their contributions to Scottish identity, labor movements, and multiculturalism. Understand how these migrations shaped industries, education, and social dynamics in Scotland.
HistoryS5
Transformation of British Economy 1625-88
Explore the significant changes in the British economy from 1625 to 1688, focusing on trade, the impact of the East India Company, mercantilism, and the growth of London. This essay plan provides a comprehensive analysis of economic transformation, including the role of agriculture, textiles, and the navigation acts. Ideal for students studying the economic history of Britain during this period.
History12
Impact of the British Empire on Scotland
Explore the multifaceted effects of the British Empire on Scotland, including economic growth, job creation, and the emergence of a multicultural society. This summary covers both positive and negative impacts, such as sectarian rivalries and dependency on exports, alongside the challenges faced by Scots in new lands. Ideal for students preparing for history exams or seeking to understand migration and empire dynamics.
HistoryS4
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
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