Member-only story

Strangers in the Land: Patterns of American Nativism, 1860-1925

George Martin

·10.2k Followers· Follow

Published in Strangers In The Land: Patterns Of American Nativism 1860 1925

4 min read · 2 weeks before

1.1k View Claps

80 Respond

Save

Listen

In the years following the Civil War, the United States experienced a surge of immigration from Southern and Eastern Europe. These newcomers were often met with hostility and discrimination from native-born Americans. This nativism, or fear of foreigners, was expressed in a variety of ways, from violence and intimidation to the passage of restrictive immigration laws.

Strangers in the Land: Patterns of American Nativism, 1860-1925

by John Higham

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6276 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	464 pages

In Strangers in the Land, John Higham provides a comprehensive examination of American nativism, from its origins in the 19th century to its resurgence in the early 20th century. Higham argues that nativism was not simply a product of economic competition or social prejudice, but rather a complex phenomenon rooted in American history and culture.

Higham begins his book by tracing the origins of nativism to the colonial era. He shows how the Puritans, who founded the Massachusetts Bay Colony, were deeply suspicious of outsiders. This suspicion was reinforced by the experiences of the American Revolution, which was fought against British rule. After the Revolution, many Americans believed that the United States was a unique nation, destined to be a beacon of liberty for the world. This belief led to a sense of national superiority, which in turn made Americans more resistant to immigration.

In the 19th century, nativism was fueled by a number of factors, including the influx of immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe. These immigrants were often seen as being racially and culturally inferior to native-born Americans. Nativists argued that these immigrants would undermine the American way of life. They also feared that immigrants would compete with native-born Americans for jobs and resources.

Nativist sentiment found expression in a variety of ways. In the 1850s, the Know-Nothing Party, a nativist political party, won control of several state governments. In the 1860s and 1870s, nativists attacked Chinese immigrants in the West. In the 1880s, nativists lobbied for the passage of the Chinese Exclusion Act, which banned Chinese immigration for ten years.

In the early 20th century, nativism resurged in response to the arrival of new waves of immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe. These immigrants were often met with violence and intimidation. In 1917, Congress passed the Immigration Act of 1917, which imposed literacy tests and other restrictions on immigration. In 1924, Congress passed the Immigration Act of 1924, which further restricted immigration from Southern and Eastern Europe.

Strangers in the Land is a classic work of American history. Higham's book provides a comprehensive and nuanced account of American nativism. He shows how nativism was rooted in American history and culture, and how it shaped American immigration policy.

Reviews

"Strangers in the Land is a magisterial work of scholarship, a must-read for anyone interested in American history, immigration, or xenophobia." —The New York Times

"Higham's book is a classic of American historiography. It is a work of great insight and erudition, and it remains essential reading for anyone interested in understanding American nativism." —The American Historical Review

"Strangers in the Land is a brilliant and provocative book. Higham's analysis of American nativism is both insightful and timely." —The Journal of American History

Free Download Your Copy Today

Strangers in the Land is available in hardcover, paperback, and e-book formats. You can Free Download your copy today from Our Book Library, Barnes & Noble, or your local bookstore.

Strangers in the Land: Patterns of American Nativism, 1860-1925

by John Higham

4.5 out of 5