GILDED AGE

Arrival Once in US, immigrants deal with “runners” Agents who speak their language, are the same ethnicity Work to help immigrants find work, housing, travel

The Real “Runner” Goal is to gain the newcomer’s trust Then they swindle the immigrants out of cash and/or property Immigrants get overpriced travel tickets and boardinghouse accomodations.

Jobs for Immigrants Early on, business owners placed ads in foreign newspapers to attract immigrants. They needed people to work Build railroads Build buildings Work in factories They are promised good jobs and cheap land.

Jobs for Immigrants Newcomers are taken advantage of. They don’t speak English. They are expendable - can easily be replaced. Take jobs for lower wages - they are resented for doing this.

Urbanization Growth of cities Failed farmers and new immigrants rushing to cities for opportunities Tenements – Multi family urban housing No sewage, dark, no air, disease, crowded Poor working conditions, no rights Strikes or injury = no job Crime & Corruption Pickpockets, thieves Corrupt government officials Alcoholism

Where do they live? Most immigrants moved to an area with others similar to them: Can continue customs, language, food, etc. Birth of Chinatown, Little Italy, Little Poland, etc.

Tenement Issues Most are run by unethical landlords. They are there for profit only. Common issues: Floors leaked Pipes burst Stairs were broken Plaster fell off the walls Cold in winter, hot in summer

Women and Children Women could not vote, go to college, terrible wages and long hours Triangle Shirtwaist Fire 156 women die Children forced from school Little money, unsafe conditions, long hours

Effect Problems of Industrialization People begin fighting back for rights The Progressives Leads to reforms in cities, working conditions, government, socially