WW1 - The enemy within Flashcards

1
Q

What did the war put stresses and strains on?

A

US society - existing social divisions were intensified.

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2
Q

What new hostility emerged?

A

Hostility to ‘unreliable foreign elements’. There was fear of revolution and a backlash against socialism.

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3
Q

Describe the years from 1918-20.

A

They were years of victory but also years of uncertainty and upheavals.

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4
Q

What happened when the USA entered the war in terms of society?

A

There was a surge of patriotism and questions were raised about the loyalties of diverse nationalities of recent immigrant communities.

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5
Q

Which group became more prominent due to this patriotism ?

A

‘Nativist’ American citizens became more prominent (e.g. resurgence of KKK in 1915).

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6
Q

What were the demands of the nativist Americans?

A

Demands to test loyalty of new citizens, to root out ‘aliens’ and to guard against dangers from spies and the ‘enemy within’.

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7
Q

What did Wilson demand?

A

New powers to keep the nation safe from subversion.

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8
Q

When was the Espionage Act passed and what did it do?

A

June 1917 (extended in 1918 by Sediton Act) - prohibited many forms of speech, including any disloyal or abusive language about the form of government.

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9
Q

Describe the effects of the Espionage Act. Who was arrested?

A

1500 prosecutions carried out, 2/3 of them resulting in convictions.
- Eugene Debs (socialist leader) and Emma Goldman (radical feminist, anarchist and pacifist who was deported to Russia on the ‘Red Ark’.)

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10
Q

What were postmaster generals instructed to do?

A

Keep close watch on suspicious mail.

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11
Q

What happened in october 1918?

A

New Immigration Act passed, strengthening existing controls against ‘undesirable immigrants especially anarchist suspects.

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12
Q

Describe how this hostile attitude to immigrants had lasting effects.

A

1921 Emergency Quota Act placed drastic limits on the numbers of immigrants allowed into the US. This act was revised and extended by a new Immigration Act in 1924.

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