Final answer:
The correct answer is C) Fear of wealth and fame of the new immigrants, as it was not a reason for nativist discrimination. Instead, fear was based on cultural and religious differences, competition for jobs, and a general distrust of the unfamiliar.
Step-by-step explanation:
The new immigrants in the late 19th century faced discrimination from nativists for several reasons. One of the reasons was fear of losing jobs to cheaper labor. The nativists were concerned that the new immigrants would take away their job opportunities by accepting lower wages.
The question asks which one was NOT a reason why new immigrants faced discrimination from nativists in the historical context. Among the provided options, the answer is fear of wealth and fame of the new immigrants. Different religions and cultures (A), fear of losing jobs to cheaper labor (B), and distrust of what was not familiar (D) were indeed reasons that fueled discrimination by nativists. However, nativists did not typically fear the wealth and fame of new immigrants, as immigrants were often perceived as poor and unassimilated rather than wealthy or influential.
In the late nineteenth century, increasing numbers of immigrants from southern and eastern Europe, as well as Asian immigrants, settled in American cities. These new groups were often subject to prejudice due to their different customs, languages, and religious practices. The nativist movement sought to restrict immigration and protect the interests of those they perceived as the original American inhabitants, mostly of northern European descent. This prejudice manifested in various xenophobic policies and social practices that aimed to preserve the perceived cultural homogeneity of the nation.