What was the significance of the Immigration Restriction League founded in 1894?

The Immigration Restriction League, founded in 1894, played a crucial role in shaping U.S. immigration policy during a time when attitudes toward immigrants were increasingly influenced by nativism and social Darwinism. The League primarily advocated for immigration reform that would limit the influx of immigrants, particularly those from Southern and Eastern Europe, which were viewed unfavorably by the League’s founders and supporters. They argued that immigrants from these regions were less likely to assimilate into American society and posed a threat to the cultural and social fabric of the nation.

Their efforts contributed to significant legislative actions, including the introduction of literacy tests and quotas that would later be formalized in the Immigration Act of 1924. This focus on ethnicity and the belief in the superiority of Northern and Western European immigrants reflected the prevailing attitudes of the time, specifically the desire for a homogenous American identity. Thus, the significance of the Immigration Restriction League lies in its influential role in promoting restrictive immigration laws that aligned with these nativist sentiments.