Question

Compare and contrast the ways that many Americans expressed their opposition to immigrants in the 1840s–1850s with the ways that many Americans expressed their opposition to immigrants in the 1910s–1920s.

Answer 1

In the 1840s–1850s, opposition to immigrants in America was driven by religious differences and job competition, particularly against Irish and German immigrants. By the 1910s–1920s, the opposition focused on the assimilation abilities of Southern and Eastern European immigrants, leading to restrictive immigration laws fueled by nativism. Throughout both periods, discrimination was prominent, though the specific groups targeted shifted over time.

Step-by-step explanation:

Comparison of Opposition to Immigrants in the 1840s–1850s and 1910s–1920s

The American response to immigrants has varied over the years, with opposition arising in both the 1840s–1850s and the 1910s–1920s. In the 1840s and 1850s, hostility largely stemmed from religious differences and competition for jobs. Irish and German immigrants, many of whom were Roman Catholics, faced prejudice in a predominantly Protestant United States. This era saw the formation of the American Protective Association, aimed at promoting legislation to curb immigration.

By the 1910s and 1920s, opposition reflected concerns over the ability of Southern and Eastern European immigrants to assimilate, resting on a nativist perception of a threat to America's moral fiber. Legislation such as the Emergency Quota Act of 1921 and the Immigration Act of 1924 influenced nativism and sought to limit immigration from specific regions deemed less desirable. These acts were guided by the belief that newer immigrant groups were less capable of integration due to their appearance, language, and religious practices that set them apart from the Anglo-Saxon majority.

During both periods, immigrants faced discrimination in various forms, including through legislation and acts of violence, such as the Anti-Greek Riot of 1909. Over time, certain ethnic groups that had been previously discriminated against, such as the Irish, found acceptance, whilst newer immigrant groups faced ongoing prejudice. This dynamic showcased the shifting sands of American tolerance and the impact of nativism on federal immigration policies.

Answer 2

The main difference between the Americans' aversion to immigrants in the 1800s and their aversion to immigrants in the early 20th century was that the former was based almost entirely on religion. Many of the Immigrants in the 19th century were Catholic, which did not sit well with the Protestant norm.