The women of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) in the 1920s, particularly through organizations like the Women of the Ku Klux Klan, often supported the Immigration Act of 1924 for several reasons:
-
Nativism and White Supremacy: The KKK was founded on principles of white supremacy and nativism, promoting the idea that the U.S. should be a nation primarily for white, Protestant Americans. The Immigration Act of 1924 aimed to significantly reduce immigration from Southern and Eastern Europe and banned immigration from Asia altogether. This aligned with the Klan's goal of preserving what they viewed as American culture and racial purity.
-
Fear of Change: Many Klan members, including women, feared the social changes brought about by increasing immigration. They believed that immigrants brought different cultural practices, religions, and values that threatened traditional American society. By supporting the act, they felt they were defending their way of life.
-
Gender Roles: The women of the KKK were often motivated by a desire to protect their families and communities. They believed that restricting immigration would lead to a safer and more stable environment for their children and families. This emphasis on traditional gender roles and family values resonated with many KKK women.
-
Political Power: The KKK was politically active during the 1920s, and its members often sought to influence legislation and public policy. By supporting the Immigration Act, KKK women were aligning themselves with other nativist groups and politicians who favored restrictive immigration policies, thereby increasing their political influence.
-
Moralism: The Women of the Klan also promoted moral agendas, advocating for issues like temperance and public morality. They often framed their support for restrictive immigration laws as part of a broader effort to maintain moral and social order within American society.
In summary, the Women of the Ku Klux Klan favored the Immigration Act of 1924 due to their beliefs in nativism, fear of cultural change, desire to protect their families, pursuit of political power, and emphasis on moral values.