Anti-Immigrant Sentiment: There was a strong anti-immigrant sentiment among some segments of the American population during this period. Many native-born Americans feared the influx of immigrants, whom they perceived as a threat to their jobs, resources, and cultural values.
Nativism: Nativism, the belief that native-born citizens are superior to immigrants, was prevalent in American society at the time. This sentiment manifested in discriminatory policies, restrictions, and violence against immigrants.
Economic Competition: Immigrants were often seen as economic competitors, taking jobs that many Americans believed should be reserved for native-born workers. This competition led to tensions and resentment, which sometimes erupted in violence.
Cultural and Religious Differences: New immigrants brought their own cultural and religious practices, which some Americans viewed as strange or threatening. This cultural clash often resulted in prejudice, discrimination, and hostility directed toward immigrants.
Labor Union Movements: Some labor unions played a role in promoting anti-immigrant sentiment by claiming that immigrants were driving down wages and taking jobs away from American workers. This led to tensions and conflicts between unions and immigrant workers.
Scapegoating: During times of economic hardship or social unrest, immigrants were often blamed for societal problems, making them easy targets for scapegoating. This resulted in hostility and violence directed toward immigrant communities.
Government Policies: Some government policies contributed to the mistreatment of immigrants. For instance, the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 prohibited Chinese immigration to the United States, while other laws restricted immigration from other countries, perpetuating a sense of discrimination and xenophobia.
These factors combined to create an environment of hostility and discrimination toward new immigrants, leading to numerous incidents of attacks, mistreatment, and prejudice during the early 20th century.