A Level History - America - Practice Exam

Who was the judge known for his prejudice against immigrants during the Sacco and Vanzetti trial?

1. Felix Frankfurter

2. William Simmons

3. Webster Thayer

4. David Stephenson

The correct answer is: Webster Thayer

Webster Thayer was the judge presiding over the Sacco and Vanzetti trial, and he is often noted for his apparent prejudice against immigrants, particularly in the context of the anti-immigrant sentiment that was prevalent in the United States during the 1920s. This bias is frequently cited as influencing the trial's proceedings and the ultimately harsh verdict against Sacco and Vanzetti, two Italian immigrants who were accused of robbery and murder. Thayer's demeanor and statements revealed a clear bias against the defendants, which has led historians to argue that he applied a different standard of justice due to their status as immigrants and anarchists. This context highlights the broader societal tensions of the time, including xenophobia and a fear of radical political movements, which played a significant role in the trial and a lasting impact on public perception and historical analysis of the case. In contrast, the other individuals mentioned had different roles or perspectives related to the trial. While Felix Frankfurter was a notable figure who later criticized the trial, William Simmons was associated with the Ku Klux Klan, and David Stephenson was involved in political corruption and unrelated legal matters. Their contributions or actions, while significant in other contexts, did not directly pertain to the judicial