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Take a moment to analyze Charles Davenport's quote from Heredity in Relation to Eugenics. Write down particular words or phrases that you think demonstrate his views. Davenport had the authority of a scientist. What evidence does he provide for his arguments?
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A number of Congressmen quoted from the debate excerpts try to define the word assimilate. How do dictionaries define the word? What does the word mean to you? Why is the word so central to the debate?
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Which representatives argue for immigration restriction? What do they fear? What do their speeches suggest about racial attitudes in the 1920s? About the influence of eugenics?
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What points do Meyer Jacobstein and Adolph Sabath emphasize in their opposition to the bill? What do they fear? What do their speeches suggest about their racial attitudes? How does each representative define the word American? What do all five definitions have in common? On what points do they differ?
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According to Sabath, who is breeding racial hatred? Why does he see their efforts as “alien to the thought, the sympathy, and the purpose of the founders of the Republic and of that America which has become the greatest power for good on earth”? How might a eugenicist respond to his attack?
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The full text of the debates appears in the Congressional Record for March and April 1924, along with charts and graphs from Laughlin’s exhibits. They can be used to prepare a report on regional voting patterns. Which regions of the country show the strongest support for the bill? Which show the least support? How do you explain the geographic division?
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