widespread was intolerance in US society?

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  • Created by: Lucyy
  • Created on: 22-11-12 20:31
How did immigration fuel racism?
Much of America's population was descended from immigrants. During the 19th century it was opened up for settlement and Europeans poured in. By early 20th century, Americans felt the country was full and there was no room for more.
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How did WW1 heighten this?
It stirred up a fear and hatred of foreigners.
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Why was there a hatred of foreigners?
The slums were seen as crowded with filthy immigrants from dozens of countries who spoke little English. They decided enough was enough.
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How did the government attempt to end mass immigration?
Congress passed the Johnson-Reid Act of 1924 which fixed a quota of 15,000 immigrants per year.
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Why was there a fear of immigrants bringing socialist ideas?
The Communist Revolution of Russia in 1917 convinced USA that communism would take over the world.
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What happened when strikes of 1919 convinced people further?
Attorney General Palmer rounded up several thousands of Socialists and deported them. A wave of anti-communism hysteria 'Red Scare' swept the country.
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What happened in April 1920?
A bank robbery in Massachusetts left two staff dead and $16,000 missing. A month later two poorly educated Italians Sacco and Venzetti were arrested and charged with the murders.
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Why was this racist?
There was little evidence against them. The police suspected them as much for they radical anarchist beliefs and immigrant background.
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What was the outcome?
Their trial was farce. The judge was biased and they were sentenced to death. Despite the fact another man confessed to the murders, they were executed in August 1927.
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What were 'Jim Crow Laws'?
These were southern ideas which kept whites segregated from blacks. They lived in separate areas, went to separate schools etc.
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How did black people suffer?
In the south, they were mostly dependent on agriculture and suffered from the farming depression of the 1920's. They also had to endure racial violence and lived in fear of lynch mobs.
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What was the Ku Klux Klan?
It was set up to preserve white supremacy over newly freed black slaves. They struck terror into the black community with night time raids and crosses of fire.
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Who else did they target from 1915?
Catholics, Jews, foreigners and gays. The Klan was viewed by members as preserving 'true American values'- the views of white protestant Americans.
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What was the Klan like in 1925?
It had reached a peak of 5 million members. They had a strong appeal to white people who felt threatened by the social and economic changes of the 1920's.
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And at the end of the 1920's?
Membership declined significantly.
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How did officials react to racism?
They were all white, so turned a blind eye.
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How many lynchings were there in the early 20's?
Around 50 per year. People were rarely prosecuted.
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How did blacks in the north suffer?
They were not as severely discriminated but were still faced with racism of society. They lived in the poorest housing, found it hardest to get jobs and were paid the lowest wages. They were regarded as inferior.
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Who was Johnny Scopes?
He was put on trial in 1925 for teaching Darwin's theory of evolution. The real issue was whwther rural religious beliefs could be maintained against the advance of science.
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Why was this known as the 'Monkey Trial' and what was the outcome?
Because of Darwin's assertion that humans evolved from monkeys. The case tested freedom of thought and speech. Scopes was charged and fined $100. A year later this was overturned.
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

How did WW1 heighten this?

Back

It stirred up a fear and hatred of foreigners.

Card 3

Front

Why was there a hatred of foreigners?

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

How did the government attempt to end mass immigration?

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

Why was there a fear of immigrants bringing socialist ideas?

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
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