The Masses Come to America Immigration The Masses Come to America

A Nation of Immigrants **The United States is a “nation of many nations” or a “melting pot”. **Immigration to the U.S. had a direct and major impact on urbanization. **We are a nation of cultural pluralism and ethnic diversity.

Immigration in the Gilded Age **From 1870-1900, the U.S. saw major growth in industry and manufacturing. This was made possible by the large number of immigrants who came to the country.

Old Immigrants **Old immigrants were those who came to the United States before 1860. 1. England, Ireland, Scotland 2. Germany, Netherlands, Scandinavia 3. Africa* *Although not fair in complexion, they did come before 1860.

Why the Old Immigrants Came Political Reasons -No say in government -Lack of Freedom -Political Unrest Economic Reasons -Little opportunity to own land -Famines -Crop Failures -Promise of a new life -Slaves Social Reasons -Religious persecution

Impact of Early Immigration Not only did Immigrants learn our culture (assimilation) but they also contributed to our culture (acculteration) The contributions of early immigrants cannot be overstated. The very foundation of America is built upon the ideas, skills and culture they brought with them. -English - -governments, language and cultural traditions that would become America. -Irish - -constructed transportation routes - - structure of Catholic church -Germans - -farming techniques and education traditions.

Traits of the “Old” Immigrant From northern or western Europe English, Irish, Swedish, German Protestant (Baptist, Calvinists, Methodists) Literate and skilled Came in families Quick to assimilate Experienced in ways of democracy Had some money in their pockets (some wealthy) Tall and fair Spoke English Similar customs and traditions as Americans

“New Immigration” 1880-1921

Characteristics of the “New Immigrant” From Southern and Eastern Europe -Russia, Italy, Greece, Poland, Austria-Hungary, Slavic Nations Many young males Many Catholics and Jews Mostly unskilled agricultural laborers Little money or education “I once thought to write a history of the immigrants in America. Then I discovered that immigrants WERE American history.” --Oscar Handlin (Journal 1)

Push Factors (Get Out!!!) Economic Problems -Land loss due to farm commercialization -Rising Populations -Heavy taxation Political Problems -Religious persecution (Especially against Jews) -Ethnic persecution (minorities who come to work in factories) -Forced military service (Including young boys)

Pull Factors (Come on in!) The Lure of Life in America (Work, land, and LIES!!) “That was the time, you see, when America was known to foreigners as the land where you’d get rich. There’s gold on the sidewalk– all you have to do is pick it up!”-Lithuanian immigrant Temporary Work -birds of passage- -Eastern and Southern European immigrants who came only to earn money to go home and buy land.

**Many of these “new immigrants” moved into large cities with ethnic enclaves. They were forced to live in tenements. **Many Americans and “Old Immigrants” did not like the “New Immigrants”, and therefore, practiced an attitude of Nativism. Blamed new immigrant for: -crime -taking jobs -overcrowding -unsanitary conditions

Most of the “New Immigrants” pass through Ellis Island (“Island of Tears”) where they must pass legal and health inspections or be deported.

Ellis Island Inspections

Leaving Ellis Island Make travel arrangements Exchange money Collect baggage 2/3 going elsewhere; 1/3 stay in NY Welcome to America…Now what??? -2/3 settle in urban centers and ethnic enclaves (community, familiarity) -They keep their own newspapers, customs, food, churches, clothing “Here no one goes to bed on an empty stomach because one Pole will save another, if he can.” –Polish immigrant

Jacob Riis -reporter and photographer -writes book called How the Other Half Lives -brings attention to horrible conditions of the tenements/slums -one of the first muckrakers

Review: Old v. New

Practice Questions What group immigrated to America in the mid-19th century primarily due to severe crop failures? a. Germans b. Irish c. Spanish d. Italian

Which 19th century immigrants most triggered a nativist reaction from Americans? a. Southeast Asians b. Northern and Western Europeans c. Central and South Americans d. Southern and Eastern Europeans

Which of the following statements is true? a. Immigration to the U.S. peaked in the two decades before the Civil War b. Immigration to the U.S. was permitted only after the Civil War c. Immigration to the U.S. rose substantially in the years 1861-1880 but then declined steeply. d. Immigration to the U.S. climbed steadily in the period of 1841-1900.

Which of the following identifies a shift in immigration patterns in the 1880’s? a. More immigrants began to settle in rural areas than in urban areas. b. Immigrants refused to take low-paying, blue collar jobs. c. The number of Italian immigrants declined drastically. d. “New” immigrants from southern and eastern Europe began to outnumber “old” immigrants from northern and western Europe.

Soon after 1900, a dense concentration of Jewish immigrants could be found in a. San Francisco, California b. Chicago, Illinois c. Washington, D.C. d. The Lower East Side of New York City

In the late 1800’s how did social and political unrest in Europe affect the United States? a. United States military forces were deployed to Europe. b. European immigrants sought refuge in the United States c. European nations requested mediation led by the United States. d. United States political influence declined in Europe.