Final answer:
During World War I, immigrants, especially from Germany and Austria-Hungary, were linked with unpatriotic behavior and distrust, facing widespread discrimination and prejudice, including job loss, bans on German music, and pressure to avoid speaking German.
Step-by-step explanation:
During World War I, people began to link immigrants, particularly those from Germany and Austria-Hungary, with unpatriotic sentiments and distrust. This xenophobic attitude led to a widespread stigma against German Americans and other groups with ties to the Central Powers. Many faced discrimination in their communities, like losing jobs, being alienated socially, and in some cases being victims of acts of physical violence.
Anti-German sentiment was so strong that even classical German music was banned by many orchestras, and towns with German names were changed to appear more American. Additionally, German Americans felt the pressure to avoid speaking German to avoid reprisal. Across the nation, a drive for patriotic conformity targeted immigrants, fueling a culture of suspicion and prejudice during the war.
Despite efforts toward unity and patriotism, this period also saw a profound suspicion and occasional hostility towards new immigrants, who were seen as potentially having divided loyalties or lacking American patriotism. These views intensified as the United States drew closer to entering the conflict on the side of the Allies, climaxing with actions taken against those of German descent within the U.S.