There are quite a number of large issues to be considered
when looking at the effects of WWI on the social atmosphere in the United States. The
backlash against Europe and outsiders of any kind after even the small (compared to
European nations) number of casualties the US suffered in the war led to anger and
resentment towards immigrants of almost every nationality and led Congress and Roosevelt
to push for tighter immigration quotas and other measures designed to limit the influx
of foreigners.
There was an increase in the sense of
isolationism, not just in the political sense, but also in the idea of communities
taking care of their own and not worrying about everyone
else.
There was a great deal of racism and classism
introduced into the world of college admissions, something detailed in the book titled
"The Chosen" by Jerome Karabel.
You could also look at
whether or not the rowdiness of returning soldiers, etc., led to more of the push
towards prohibition. There were other effects from the return of boys from overseas
having seen the horrible nature of war, there was a surge in the membership of peace
advocacy groups, etc.
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