Throughout history, moments of national anxiety have often led to policies that target the most vulnerable. A century ago, after war and a deadly pandemic, fears of decline fueled restrictive immigration laws, forced sterilization programs, and the rise of movements that sought to reshape the nation’s identity. Today, echoes of that era are resurfacing as policies take aim at marginalized groups in the name of national strength. Looking back at the 1920s provides a stark reminder of how easily fear can be weaponized against those with the least power.
Alex Green writing at The Conversation has the full look back that comes with a mirror to reflect on our own time.
