The Major Problems in American History: Americanism and Japanese Problem

American History
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American History
Heightened racial and ethnic tensions marked the 1920s in the United States. The essay examines The Major Problems in American History, particularly the Ku Klux Klan's definition of “Americanism” and the California Governor’s stance on the "Japanese Problem." Through the analysis of the documents, we understand the prevalent racial and ethnic tensions of the period. The paper highlights the racial and ethnic tensions during the 1920s, showcasing the prejudices against African Americans and Japanese Americans alongside the issues of exclusionism and nativism.
One of the apparent issues is the distorted view of “Americanism” that perpetuated racial divisions and promoted white supremacy. The Klan’s opposition to alien religions and creeds announced a narrow definition of American identity. Also, the definition of Americanism expresses the Klan’s desire to maintain racial purity and exclusion. There was opposition to mixing races, especially African Americans, who were perceived as inferior and threatening the white race’s purity.
On the other hand, Hiram Johnson reveals the sentiments of exclusionism and nativism toward Japanese immigrants in California. There is an expression of ...