Adventure to Ellis Island Immigration Adventure to Ellis Island
Where in the World?
Why are people immigrating to America? Asian: Search for gold, better life -Faced more prejudice than other immigrants– unfair, negative opinion that can lead to unjust treatment -Where did they end up? Asians came to the US via Angel Island in San Francisco Bay, many made their living as miners and working on railroads in the West. -Life was hard, Chinese workers were paid less than others, 25% of immigrants were turned away.
Angel Island
Why are people immigrating to America? European: Religious and political freedom -Many immigrants wanted to avoid persecution – unfair treatment because of your beliefs -Many Europeans arrived on Ellis Island, right off the coast of New York. Almost all were allowed to come into the country and moved into NYC neighborhoods. -Immigrants worked long hours in factories for low pay and lived in tenements, poorly built apartments that were unsafe. (no windows, water)
On the ship to NYC
Ellis Ellis Island
Why are people immigrating to America? Mexican: Came for a better life and to earn more wages for their families. -Most immigrants simply walked across the border near Texas. -Worked on farms for little pay under harsh, dangerous conditions. -Lived in poor conditions with very little -Faced discrimination – a synonym for prejudice
Mexican Immigrants
Life in America After entering, most immigrants settled near family and friends Immigrant communities began forming in which everyone who lived there shared the same culture Immigrants maintained their same customs
Discrimination at its worst Immigrants faced prejudice from people who were frightened of their unfamiliar language and customs Employers liked to hire immigrants b/c they worked hard for little pay Americans were worried about losing their jobs to immigrants They wanted immigration stopped!
Laws Against Immigration In 1882, Congress limited immigration by passing the Chinese Exclusion Act The law kept out almost all new immigrants Later, laws started limiting the amount of immigrants allowed into the country
Asian Immigrants-came from China You and your assigned group are in charge of writing and performing a play depicting the process of immigration and its hardships. You will be assigned a specific immigrant group. Each immigrant group will have a set of “key words” or topics that you are required to have in your play. The words/topics are listed below: Asian Immigrants-came from China Reason for Immigrating Where you are from Angel Island Discrimination or Prejudice Mining or Miners European Immigrants- came from European countries like Italy, Russia, Poland, Hungary, and Greece Ellis Island Tenements Factory Workers Mexican Immigrants-came from Mexico Farmers or Farming
Rubric for Immigration Play -Accuracy /20 -Key Words/Topics /20 -Script Writing /20 -Focus on Topic /10 -Teamwork /10 -Performance /10 -Evidence of Practice /10 Total: /100
And now…..a sneak peek! Please welcome our Rottweiler Players here to perform a sample play for your viewing pleasure. Any questions? Good luck on your play!
Ticket out of the door Please wrap up your activity with your group. You will perform the plays tomorrow. On a sticky note: Write down the three parts of the world immigrants came to America from in the early 1900’s. Give this post-it to Mrs. Wall in order to begin pack-up and dismissal.