Why were German Americans mistreated during World War 1?

During World War I, German Americans faced mistreatment due to widespread anti-German sentiment fueled by Propaganda and fear of espionage. Many Americans viewed them with suspicion, associating them with the enemy, leading to social ostracism, violence, and the suppression of German culture, including the banning of the German language in schools and public events. This hostility was compounded by incidents of mob violence and the targeting of German-owned businesses, reflecting the intense nationalism that characterized the wartime atmosphere.