During the 1930s and 1940s, the practice of trick-or-treating took hold in the United States. This tradition borrowed from Irish and English customs and involved children dressing up in costumes and going house to house asking for food or money. Initially, it was not always well-received, as it was associated with a night of mischief and pranks.
However, in an effort to curb vandalism and provide a more controlled environment for the holiday, communities began to encourage the "trick-or-treat" practice. Instead of causing trouble, children would dress up and go door-to-door, receiving treats from their neighbors. This became a way to keep young people entertained and contained on Halloween night.
The trick-or-treat tradition became popular across the country and was reinforced through radio, television, and films. The classic phrase "trick or treat" became a part of the cultural lexicon, with the implicit understanding that if a treat (usually candy) was given, the homeowner would be free from tricks or pranks.
However, during World War II, sugar rations led to a temporary halt in trick-or-treating. But by the 1950s, it had returned and solidified its place in American Halloween celebrations.