Post-War America

Return to Nativism What is nativism?What is nativism? Why might nativism return to prominence after World War I?Why might nativism return to prominence after World War I?

Causes IsolationismIsolationism Job shortages=returning soldiers faced unemploymentJob shortages=returning soldiers faced unemployment Cost of living doubledCost of living doubled Increase in immigrationIncrease in immigration How would this affect American society?How would this affect American society?

Red Scare The Russian Revolution scared the crap out of America.The Russian Revolution scared the crap out of America. People were terrified that communists might try to start a revolution here.People were terrified that communists might try to start a revolution here. What is communism?What is communism? Why were people so scared?Why were people so scared? Some 70,000 radicals formed the Communist Party of AmericaSome 70,000 radicals formed the Communist Party of America IWW (International Workers of the World)IWW (International Workers of the World)

The Palmer Raids U.S. Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer’s assault on suspected communists within America.U.S. Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer’s assault on suspected communists within America. Carried out throughout 1919 and 1920.Carried out throughout 1919 and Sought to rid the country of any communist threat.Sought to rid the country of any communist threat. Largest raid deported 249 suspected communists, socialists, and anarchists to Russia.Largest raid deported 249 suspected communists, socialists, and anarchists to Russia. Who was targeted?Who was targeted?

Red Scare continued Sacco and VanzettiSacco and Vanzetti Italian immigrants and professed anarchistsItalian immigrants and professed anarchists Accused of burglary and murderAccused of burglary and murder Were not given a fair trial due to their political views and immigrant statusWere not given a fair trial due to their political views and immigrant status Sentenced to death amidst much turmoilSentenced to death amidst much turmoil Executed despite substantial public outcry (there were also many supporters of their execution)Executed despite substantial public outcry (there were also many supporters of their execution)

More Backlash Against Immigrants Return of the KKKReturn of the KKK Targeted…pretty much everybody (blacks, immigrants, Jews, Catholics, communists, socialists, anarchists)Targeted…pretty much everybody (blacks, immigrants, Jews, Catholics, communists, socialists, anarchists) Membership restricted to “White Gentiles” (WASPs)Membership restricted to “White Gentiles” (WASPs)

Quota Systems Limited the number of immigrants that could enter America every year.Limited the number of immigrants that could enter America every year. Specifically targeted Eastern and Southern Europe (quotas weren’t placed on Northern and Western Europe)Specifically targeted Eastern and Southern Europe (quotas weren’t placed on Northern and Western Europe) Eventually included Japan (meaning we backed out of the Gentlemen’s Agreement)Eventually included Japan (meaning we backed out of the Gentlemen’s Agreement) The Japanese limited emigration to the US alreadyThe Japanese limited emigration to the US already Strained ties between the two countriesStrained ties between the two countries

Labor Issues Growth in unions due to poor working conditions/hours during and after WWI.Growth in unions due to poor working conditions/hours during and after WWI. Unions were seen by some as bastions of Communism due in part to the IWW.Unions were seen by some as bastions of Communism due in part to the IWW. Failure to reach a compromise on these issues led to many strikes.Failure to reach a compromise on these issues led to many strikes.

Strikes Strikes became massive conflictsStrikes became massive conflicts Companies hired “scabs” (who were often poor immigrant workers) to take the jobs left vacantCompanies hired “scabs” (who were often poor immigrant workers) to take the jobs left vacant The National Guard was often sent in to break up fights between striking union workers, executives, strike-breakers, and scabs.The National Guard was often sent in to break up fights between striking union workers, executives, strike-breakers, and scabs.