The fear of foreigners was a significant cause of intolerance in US society in the 1920s. However, other factors, such as entrenched racism and religious fundamentalism, also played critical roles in fostering intolerance during this period. This essay will explore the impact of xenophobia, along with other significant influences, to understand the multifaceted nature of intolerance in 1920s America.

Fear of foreigners was a major driver of intolerance. The majority of the American population comprised white Anglo-Saxon Protestants (WASPs) who were deeply concerned about preserving their religious and cultural dominance. They viewed immigrants, particularly those from Eastern Europe and Russia, as threats to their way of life and American values. This fear was exacerbated by the 'Red Scare,' a widespread anxiety about the potential spread of communism, socialism, and anarchism, ideologies often associated with immigrants from these regions. Many Americans feared that these radical political ideas would undermine their freedoms and lead to economic competition over jobs. Religious fundamentalists were especially alarmed by communism, which they perceived as atheistic and opposed to their Christian beliefs. This fear was particularly intense in the Deep South and Mid-Western Bible Belt, where traditional values were strongly upheld.

The Ku Klux Klan (KKK) played a significant role in promoting intolerance towards immigrants. The KKK, which sought to preserve what they saw as the traditional American way of life, vehemently opposed the influx of non-white and non-Northern European immigrants. They advocated for white supremacy and were instrumental in pushing for restrictive immigration quotas, such as the Immigration Act of 1924, which severely limited the number of immigrants allowed into the United States from certain countries. Additionally, during the Prohibition era, criminal activities were often linked to Italian and Irish immigrants, further fueling nativist sentiments and reinforcing stereotypes that immigrants were inherently criminal.

However, while the fear of foreigners was a significant cause of intolerance, other factors were equally, if not more, important. Racism, particularly in the Southern United States, had a long history dating back to the end of slavery. The implementation of Jim Crow laws institutionalized segregation in public facilities, transport, schools, and denied black Americans the right to vote. This systemic racism was a profound source of intolerance and discrimination.

The resurgence of the KKK in 1915, partly inspired by the film "Birth of a Nation," which glorified the original Klan, led to a massive increase in its membership, reaching nearly 5 million by 1924. The KKK propagated racist ideologies through parades, propaganda, and had significant political influence, particularly in states like Indiana. Their activities were not only directed against immigrants but also aimed at maintaining racial segregation and promoting white supremacy.

Religious fundamentalism also contributed to intolerance in the 1920s. Fundamentalists opposed the Catholic Church, associating it with un-American roots and foreign influence. Some Southern churches promoted segregation and supported the KKK. The temperance movement, largely driven by religious groups, influenced the introduction of Prohibition, reflecting a desire to impose traditional moral values. These religious groups also championed traditional family roles for women and viewed urban areas as hubs of moral decay.

In conclusion, while the fear of foreigners was a significant cause of intolerance in US society in the 1920s, it was not the sole factor. Racism, deeply rooted in the history of the United States, and religious fundamentalism, with its emphasis on traditional values and resistance to change, were also critical in shaping the intolerance of the era. The interplay of these factors created a climate of suspicion, exclusion, and discrimination that profoundly affected American society during the 1920s.