Economic competition

Definition

Economic competition refers to the rivalry among businesses or individuals to attract customers and gain a larger share of the market. This competition often leads to innovations, better services, and lower prices, as companies strive to outdo each other. In the context of immigration and policies such as the Gentlemen's Agreement, economic competition played a significant role in shaping attitudes toward immigrant labor, particularly in industries where Asian immigrants sought employment.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The economic competition between native-born workers and immigrants often resulted in tensions, as immigrants were sometimes willing to work for lower wages, leading to resentment among local laborers.
2. In the early 20th century, Asian immigrants faced discrimination not only due to cultural differences but also because they were perceived as economic threats to American workers.
3. The Gentlemen's Agreement of 1907 was partly a response to economic competition fears, aiming to limit Japanese immigration to alleviate concerns from American labor groups.
4. Economic competition contributed to the development of restrictive immigration laws during the early 20th century as lawmakers aimed to protect American jobs.
5. Many businesses relied on immigrant labor to fill low-wage jobs in sectors like agriculture and manufacturing, highlighting the paradox of needing immigrant workers despite the competitive fears surrounding them.

Review Questions

• How did economic competition shape the attitudes of native-born workers towards Asian immigrants during the early 20th century?
  • Economic competition significantly influenced the attitudes of native-born workers towards Asian immigrants by fostering a perception that these newcomers were taking jobs away from them. Many American workers felt threatened by immigrants who were often willing to accept lower wages and harsher working conditions. This led to increased hostility and calls for restrictive immigration policies aimed at protecting American jobs, such as those exemplified by the Gentlemen's Agreement.
• Discuss the relationship between economic competition and immigration policy changes in the early 1900s.
  • The intense economic competition of the early 1900s prompted significant changes in immigration policy as lawmakers sought to address the concerns of native-born workers. As immigrants flooded into industries, particularly those requiring low-wage labor, there was a push from labor organizations for policies that would limit this influx. The Gentlemen's Agreement is a clear example of how economic competition drove the U.S. government to negotiate restrictions on Japanese immigration in an effort to alleviate job security fears among American workers.
• Evaluate how economic competition influenced both societal attitudes towards immigrants and legislative actions in the context of American history.
  • Economic competition deeply influenced societal attitudes towards immigrants by embedding a sense of threat among native-born populations concerned about job security. This fear often manifested in xenophobic sentiments and led to various legislative actions aimed at restricting immigration. For example, the Gentlemen's Agreement reflected these dynamics by attempting to reduce Japanese immigration in response to perceived economic threats. Overall, economic competition not only shaped individual perceptions but also significantly influenced policy decisions that aimed to balance labor needs with societal concerns over job competition.

Related terms

Labor Market: The supply and demand for labor, where employers seek workers and workers seek jobs, influencing wages and employment conditions.

Xenophobia: An irrational fear or hatred of people from other countries, often leading to discrimination against immigrants in various aspects of society.

Immigration Policy: The laws and regulations that govern how a country manages the entry of foreign nationals, often influenced by economic needs and social attitudes.