A Level History - America - Practice Exam

Which term describes the fears associated with the Russian revolution influencing attitudes towards immigrants and radicals in the USA?

1. Nativism

2. Isolationism

3. Libertarianism

4. Progressivism

The correct answer is: Nativism

The term that best describes the fears associated with the Russian Revolution influencing attitudes towards immigrants and radicals in the USA is nativism. Following the Russian Revolution in 1917, there was widespread anxiety in the United States regarding the potential spread of communism and radical ideologies. This led to a surge in nativist sentiments, where significant portions of the population began to associate immigrants—particularly those from Eastern Europe and other regions—as potential threats to American values and security. Nativism represents a movement that prioritizes the interests of native-born citizens over those of immigrants. In this historical context, the fear of communism and radical political movements created a backlash against immigrant communities, fostering distrust, violence, and calls for stricter immigration laws. The Palmer Raids and other government actions during the Red Scare exemplified this nativist sentiment, as they targeted perceived subversives, leading to widespread deportations and a general atmosphere of suspicion towards anyone deemed 'foreign.' Other terms presented, such as isolationism, libertarianism, and progressivism, do not accurately capture the specific anxieties linked to the Russian Revolution and its impact on societal attitudes toward immigration and radicalism during this time period. Isolationism characterizes a foreign policy stance,