Exploring Nativism and Immigration in America

In the late 19th century, new immigrant groups faced hostility from native-born Americans due to economic fears and religious intolerance. This led to a resurgence of nativism, a recurring theme in American history. Economic concerns included immigrants accepting lower wages, while social prejudices labeled them as low-class and criminal. The changing religious landscape, with more Catholics and Jews arriving, further fueled anti-immigrant sentiment. Organized groups like the Immigration Restriction League and the American Protective Association emerged, gaining political influence and eventually leading to restrictive immigration laws in the 1920s.

What were some reasons native-born Americans were hostile towards new immigrants in the late 19th century?

• Political alliances

• Shared economic interests

• Religious intolerance and job competition

• Cultural similarities

What is nativism?

• A movement to promote immigration

• A recurring phenomenon of anti-immigrant sentiment

• A policy to support foreign cultures

• A trend to increase job opportunities for immigrants

When did nativism surge in American history?

• Only in the 20th century

• During the colonial period and the late 19th century

• During the American Revolution

• In the early 21st century

Why did some native-born Americans view immigrants as a threat to their livelihood?

• Immigrants demanded higher wages

• Immigrants took over political offices

• Immigrants agreed to work for lower wages

• Immigrants refused to work

What economic factor contributed to anti-immigrant sentiment?

• Immigrants' political influence

• Immigrants' high literacy rates

• Immigrants' willingness to work for lower wages

• Immigrants' refusal to work

What were some social prejudices against immigrants?

• They were considered wealthy

• They were viewed as bringing poverty and crime

• They were seen as highly educated

• They were seen as politically powerful

How did the religious makeup of America change with new immigrants?

• More Protestants arrived

• More Buddhists arrived

• More Catholics and Jewish immigrants arrived

• More Hindus arrived

What was the purpose of the Immigration Restriction League founded in the 1890s?

• To increase immigration quotas

• To promote cultural exchange

• To pass federal laws to restrict immigration

• To support immigrant communities

Which organization was based in the Midwest and opposed Catholic immigration?

• The Immigration Support League

• The American Protective Association

• The National Immigration Council

• The Catholic Immigrant Society

What was the outcome of the organized anti-immigrant movement by the 1920s?

• Increased immigration quotas

• A restrictive quota system that decreased immigration

• Abolishment of immigration laws

• Unrestricted immigration policies