The Influence of Xenophobia on Intolerance in 1920s America

In the 1920s, the fear of foreigners played a significant role in the rise of intolerance in US society, particularly among the white Anglo-Saxon Protestant population. The fear of foreigners was rooted in concerns over the changing religious landscape, perceived threats to the American way of life, and suspicions of radical political ideologies. This fear of foreigners, combined with xenophobia and nativism, manifested in various ways that contributed to the overall climate of intolerance in American society during this period.

One key factor that accentuated the fear of foreigners was the "Red Scare," stemming from the fear of increased immigration from Eastern Europe and Russia, where many citizens were apprehensive about the potential loss of freedoms and job competition. The influx of immigrants, particularly from non-Anglo-Saxon backgrounds, sparked fears among the predominantly white Protestant population that these newcomers would undermine American traditions and values.

Moreover, the rise of radical political ideologies such as socialism, communism, and anarchism further fueled the fear of foreigners as these ideologies were often perceived as un-American and threatening to the established order. Religious fundamentalists, in particular, viewed communism as godless and atheistic, which only heightened their sense of unease and suspicion towards foreigners and those who espoused such beliefs.

The tension between evolution theory and creationism also contributed to the fear of foreigners, particularly in the Deep South and the Mid-West Bible Belt, where traditional religious beliefs clashed with modern scientific theories. The apprehension towards foreign ideas and influences, coupled with the desire to preserve traditional American values, reinforced the pervasive fear of outsiders in US society during the 1920s.

Furthermore, organizations like the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) sought to represent the traditional American way of life and promote white supremacy by opposing further non-white, Northern European immigration. The KKK's xenophobic and racist ideologies resonated with many Americans who saw foreigners as a threat to their perceived racial and cultural superiority.

Despite the significant role played by the fear of foreigners in fostering intolerance in US society during the 1920s, it is essential to acknowledge that racism in the South, which had deep historical roots dating back to the end of slavery, was arguably a more significant factor in perpetuating intolerance. The Jim Crow laws enforced segregation and denied basic rights to African Americans, highlighting the pervasive racism that permeated American society and contributed to the overall climate of intolerance.

Moreover, the revival of the KKK in 1915, fueled by racist sentiments and the desire to preserve white American society and culture, further exacerbated racial tensions and intolerance in the country. The KKK's influence through propaganda, political appointees, and promotion of racist ideologies played a significant role in shaping public opinion and perpetuating intolerance towards marginalized groups.

In conclusion, while the fear of foreigners undoubtedly played a significant role in fostering intolerance in US society during the 1920s, it was not the sole or primary cause of intolerance. Racism, particularly in the South, and the desire to maintain white supremacy were more pervasive and enduring factors that contributed to the climate of intolerance in American society during this period. The fear of foreigners, combined with xenophobia and nativism, further aggravated existing prejudices and tensions, underscoring the complex interplay of factors that shaped attitudes towards outsiders in 1920s America.