Describe the anti-immigrant and americanization actions taken on the home front in ww1

During World War I, America took several different actions that reflected their anti-immigrant / Americanization stance.

One of the most significant ones was the renaming of German foods. Germany was heavily responsible for the US joining World War I, as the sinking of the Lusitania and the Zimmerman Telegram were both viewed as acts of aggression by the German government against America. Due to Germany drawing us into this war, Americans renamed certain German foods. For example, hamburgers were renamed "liberty sandwiches" and sauerkraut was renamed "liberty cabbage."

Along with this, American citizens treated immigrants (especially German immigrants) with violence. A perfect example is the Robert Prager case. Prager was of German descent but was considered an American citizen. However, when word got out that he was trying to joining the US army, he was beaten and killed by an angry mob of American citizens. These citizens believed Prager was a spy for the German government.

This shows how America reacted with fear and aggression to Germans and immigrants during this time.