1. Anti-Immigrant Sentiments: During World War I, there was a surge in anti-immigrant sentiments, particularly targeting German and Eastern European immigrants. These groups were often viewed with suspicion and accused of being disloyal to the United States.
2. Red Scare: The war's aftermath witnessed a rise in the "Red Scare," a period of heightened fear of communism and radical leftist ideologies. This led to the persecution of individuals and organizations perceived as having communist sympathies, creating an atmosphere of prejudice and discrimination against left-leaning groups.
3. Propaganda and Wartime Nationalism: The war effort was accompanied by intense propaganda campaigns that often relied on biased or negative portrayals of enemy countries and their peoples. This resulted in the demonization of certain groups and the spread of stereotypes and prejudices.
4. African American Disenfranchisement: The period after World War I saw an increase in racial violence and the reinforcement of Jim Crow laws, further solidifying racial discrimination and prejudice against African Americans.
5. Anti-Catholic Bias: Prejudice against Catholic immigrants persisted during this period, fueled by fears of their divided loyalties due to the influence of the Catholic Church.
6. Anti-Semitism: Anti-Semitic sentiment was prevalent throughout World War I and the post-war years, with Jews often being portrayed as disloyal or financially exploitative.
7. Impact of Economic and Social Disruptions: The war's economic and social dislocations and disruptions contributed to a climate of uncertainty and anxiety, leading some groups to seek scapegoats and blame certain communities for societal problems.