The USA - Growth Of Isolationism Flashcards
Why did America see European imports as a threat?
Afraid USA would be flooded with cheap European imports. Unemployment was higher in Europe so European workers were willing to work for lower wages.
How did America profit from World War 1?
1) American economy boomed
2) Exported weapons and food to Europe during war
3) Joined allied side in 1917 - no fighting on American soil
4) European countries whose industries had been damaged bought American goods with help of American loans.
Why were businessmen afraid of European imports?
Thought American consumers might start to buy European products. This would result in; loss of American jobs, lower profits for US companies and less money in taxes for government.
What did Harding do when elected?
Brought in the Emergency Tariff Act in May of 1921. A tariff is a tax on imported and exported goods. The act increased the tariff rates on imported farm products.
What did the Fordney-McCumber Tariff do?
Gave the president the power to raise and lower the tariff rates. Harding used it to raise duties on both factory and farm goods.
What was Americas immigration policy before the First World War?
Had a ‘open doors’ policy which allowed almost anybody to move to the USA. But come Americans started demanding that this ‘door’ be closed. The most powerful and wealthy group at this time were people with mainly British ancestors also known as WASPs.
Who were the WASP’s? What did they believe on immigration?
White Anglo-Saxon Protestants. Believed that communists were coming into USA and undermining American way of life. Alarmed at number of Asian, Jewish and catholic people entering USA.
What happened due to WASP influence in congress?
President Harding decided to place strict limitations on immigration, especially from Eastern and Southern Europe. In 1921 congress passed an act which introduced a quota system. Annual immigration was reduced from over one million to about 150,000 in 1929.
