Question
Why did the US government take this action during the Great Depression? Some thought people of Mexican ancestry were taking jobs from US workers Some thought people of Mexican ancestry were buying too much property Some feared that people of Mexican ancestry would force their religious beliefs to become the law of the land Some feared that people of Mexican ancestry would force US schools to teach foreign languages
Answer
4.1
(282 Votes)
Louie
Professional · Tutor for 6 years
Answer
Some thought people of Mexican ancestry were taking jobs from US workers
Explanation
The question refers to actions taken by the US government during the Great Depression. Due to the economic crisis during the Great Depression, many American citizens, regardless of their ethnicity, were unemployed. In this context, prejudice and discrimination surged and came often from false presumption on people of foreign, specifically Mexican ancestry. Consequently, Government action, stimulated by such prejudice and criticism to return unemployment levels to their normal state with reduction in competition for available jobs and relief assistance, was referred to as the Mexican Repatriation. This was neither formally legislated nor required anyone being physically rounded up by government agents, it was made largely by intimidation and threat, where government officials and local initiatives sponsored by charities and social service agencies scared people into leaving. Specified reason within the question options looks at this option attributing job displacement to people of Mexican ancestry. None of the other given options provide a generally consistent situation with historical circumstance fueling this act.