Many Americans Expressed Their Opposition to Immigrants in the 1910 – 1920s - Outline

Compare and contrast the ways that many Americans expressed their opposition to immigrants in the 1840 – 1850s with the ways that many Americans expressed their opposition to immigrants in the 1910 – 1920s.

1. Introduction

1. There has always been opposition to immigrants in the US.
2. Thesis: Although the expression cof the opposition to immigratns changed throughout the years, the underlying basis of this predijudice remained the same.

1. Unique to 1840s and 1850s (Differences)

1. Creation of political parties based of off nativism

1. Know Nothing Party
2. Native American Party
3. Supreme Order of the Star Spangled Banner

1. More actions taken socially then physically

1. Racism
2. Inferior because of poverty
3. Scared their jobs will be stolen        

1. Specific racism toward Irish and Germans

1. Unique to 1910-1920s (Differences)

1. More actions taken physically than socially

1. Violence
2. KKK is reborn

1. Leo Frank (Jewish) case gains support for KKK

1. Public whipping, tarring and feathers, and lynching

1. More widespread targets of racism

1. Exclusion expanded to Jews, Catholics, and all foreigners

1. Federal government assists Nativist efforts

1. National Origins Act

1. Banned all immigration from East Asia (targets Japanese)

1. Immigration heavily favors NW Europeans

1. Considered the differences in speech and habits to be a direct threat to their way of life

1. Both in 1840/50 and 1910/20 (Similarities)

1. Both resulted in alienation and exclusion for immigrants
2. Both were caused by the fear of losing the life the Americans love
3. Both created sterotypes for groups and cultures

1. Conclusion

1. Restate thesis in a different way:  Protection of the loved American Dream has always motivated opposition against foreigners, all throughout American history.
2. Summarize main difference
3. Summarize main similarity
4. Analyze the irony of the protection of the American  Dream resulting in the exact opposite, a country laden with the burdens of predjudice, hatred, and lack of freedom.