The German Spy Scare

The German Spy Scare refers to a period during World War I when heightened fears about espionage led to widespread suspicion and backlash against German immigrants and anything associated with Germany in the United States and other Allied nations. News of actual German espionage activities fueled paranoia, resulting in harsh government actions, social ostracism, and violence against German Americans. This atmosphere of mistrust aimed to protect national security but often violated civil liberties and intensified xenophobia, illustrating how war can magnify societal fears and lead to scapegoating of particular ethnic groups.