Xenophobia In The 1920's

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To what extent was America xenophobic in the 1920's? American immigration policy was often based upon prejudice and misunderstanding. The period of the 1920's, however, saw immigrants treated in a way that went beyond this. Americans became what is known a xenophobic. Xenophobia is the irrational fear of foreigners and the 1920's saw plenty of irrational fear and irrational actions. Immigrants and Immigration During The Twenties - Years of Intolerance Even though the 1920's are often referred to as the "roaring 20's" they were not all lighthearted and good times. The 20's were years of tremendous social and political changes. In Russia the Bolsheviks had overthrown the Czar (King) of Russia. The Bolsheviks were communists. Americans were horrified by the newspaper accounts of the violence. Even more, communists believed in government…show more content…
The money they were carrying, some fifteen thousand dollars, was stolen. Witnesses said five people had taken part in the holdup. The police arrested two Italian immigrants; Nicola Sacco, shoemaker and Bartolomo Vanzetti, a fish peddler. Both were admitted anarchists (people who believe in the destruction of all governments) and draft dodgers. This took place at the height of the Red Scare. Prejudice played a large role in the Sacco - Vanzetti case. There was some evidence against Sacco and Vanzetti. Both men had guns, one of which was identified as the gun carried by the murdered guard. Neither man had a good alibi for the time of the robbery. There was good reason to doubt, however. Neither man spoke English very well and a translator was not provided for them. At the trial some witnesses swore that they saw Sacco and Vanzetti at the hold up, others however, swore they did not. Also, five people had been involved in the holdup. Where were the other three? Why hadn't any of the stolen money been
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