What problems did immigrants cause in 1920s America?

Answer 1

At the time of America's roaring twenties and the economic boom striving ahead any other industrial nation, Immigration was the basis of American society. In America's constitution, it stated that America was the land of freedom, equal rights and equal chances to become rich, prosperous in a land of plenty. It was named the "land of opportunity" and this provided great incentives for hundreds of thousands of immigrants, particularly from Europe to emigrate to America. By the end of the 1920s, the number of immigrants had totalled millions and soon the nation was beginning to feel the full force of immigration and the graudal concerns and problems it had upon many Americans. Soon, the government introduced Quota Acts which began to restrict the number of immigrants allowed into the country. By the end of the 1920s, only a small fraction of people gained entry into the USA. White people believed that there was a huge fear of immigration growing amongst Americans in which large proportions of foreigners were deemed "unamerican" and troublesome to Amercian society. Within time, there was prejudice towards them and the fear that allimmigrants were anarchists, communists and trade unionists began to have a dramatic effect on many WASPs (White Anglo saxon Protestants), particularly the government, businessmen and industrialists. These immigrants began to suffer poor living conditions; overcrowding and malnutrition. Many were suspected of being radicals threatening to disrupt the peace of American society, some with their communist ideas that spread across America triggering the risk of a revoultion. This was known as the Red Scare. Intolerance to immigration became a significant attribute towards America's deteriorating attitudes and social conflict. Soon, American cultures became extremely diverse, providing great benefits in the long term, although isolating various multi-national groups which consequently led to segregation, racial attitudes and discrimination. America's so called proud "Melting Pot" of nationalities, races and origins was a clear underlying disaster waiting to happen throughout the 1920s. Key Points; Immigrants were accused of being anarchists, communists etc.