How did fundamentalism and nativism affect society in the 1920s?

Fundamentalism and nativism had a significant affect on American society during the 1920's. Fundamentalism consists of the strict interpretation of the bible. This was especially relevant for those who were considered Christians. These fundamentalists used the bible to guide their actions throughout the 1920's. A perfect example of this would be the increased amount of charity work done by Christians to help the urban poor. Creating Sunday schools for children and providing shelter/food shows how they interpreted the importance of service based on the reading of the bible.

Nativism, on the other hand, focuses on the idea of "Americans first." Nativists greatly disliked immigrants, as they felt they were stealing job from native born Americans (hence the name, nativists). This caused a sense of fear and paranoia in American society. The first Red Scare and the court case of Sacco and Vanzetti are perfect examples of how "un-American" views caused American citizens to act irrationally towards people from other countries.