Final answer:
The United States government has reacted severely towards its own citizens in various instances throughout history due to factors such as disaffection towards the home government, fears of disloyalty and sabotage during times of war, and the desire for liberty and independence.
Step-by-step explanation:
The United States government reacted severely towards its own citizens in several instances throughout history. Some of the key driving forces behind these severe reactions include disaffection towards the home government, fears of disloyalty and sabotage during times of war, the desire for liberty and independence, economic concerns, domestic unrest, discrimination against immigrants, and the need for a stronger national government.
- Disaffection towards the home government: Colonists in the American Revolution felt a loss of affection towards the British Empire due to policies like the Intolerable Acts.
- Fears of disloyalty and sabotage during times of war: During both World War I and World War II, the United States government created internment camps for resident aliens and suspected enemy sympathizers, leading to a xenophobic hysteria.
- The desire for liberty and independence: The American Revolution was driven by a growing distaste for the British government and the desire to create a new, independent nation.