Final answer:
Congress limited immigration following World War I for various reasons, including population concerns, the flu epidemic, and nativist sentiments.
Step-by-step explanation:
Following World War I, Congress limited immigration from countries due to several reasons:
- The nation's population was at capacity. The large influx of immigrants during the late 19th and early 20th centuries had already led to overcrowding in cities and strained resources. Limiting immigration was seen as a way to control the population growth and alleviate these pressures.
- Americans were concerned about the spread of the flu epidemic. The Spanish flu pandemic of 1918-1919 had a significant impact on the population, causing widespread illness and death. Restricting immigration was seen as a precautionary measure to prevent the entry of potentially infected individuals.
- Congress was responding to the nativists' calls to 'Keep America for Americans.' Nativist sentiment, fueled by xenophobia and a desire to preserve American culture and jobs, gained traction during this time. Congress enacted laws such as the Emergency Quota Act of 1921 and the Immigration Act of 1924 to limit immigration and prioritize the entry of individuals from Western and Northern Europe.
While protecting African Americans from competition may have been a factor for some individuals, it was not the primary reason for Congress's decision to limit immigration.
Learn more about Congress and immigration policy after World War I