Industrialism: Resources & People Chapter 17 Part 1

Background America a quiet place to live pre-Civil War. After civil war, urban areas experienced tremendous growth during the late 1800s. 1800: 16 states in Union 1900: 45 states in Union Biggest reason for the population boom is immigration.

Statehood Progression

Natural Resources Vocabulary Term: lodes—a rich deposit or supply Many lodes of gold, silver, and copper Rich iron ore deposits. Petroleum and coal deposits also abundant. Many rivers = water power Timber

Labor Immigration supplied labor to increase industry. Most immigrants came from W & NW Europe Steam ships carried people to America and raw goods back to Europe

Immigration Why leave Europe? What was travel like? Economy failing; high unemployment rate; famine EG: Ireland—1840s Potato Famine—1/8th population starved to death; potatoes got a disease that made them rot in the ground. What was travel like? Cheapest ticket in steerage--$30 Bad food, poor air flow, cramped rooms, no windows How long was the trip? 2-3 weeks

Conditions Below Deck

Arrival to a New Life Largest number of immigrants came to America via Ellis Island. Operated from 1892-1954 Had to pass health inspection to enter U.S.A. Most made it through; <2% sent back to Europe

Culture Clash Irish men played important role in railroads and civics; Irish women often became teachers or house servants. Chinese sought gold; many founded restaurants, laundries, and worked on railroads. Chinese willing to work for lower wages; Irish getting passed over--spoke to politicians. Exclusion Act of 1882—limited number of Chinese immigrants per year

Religious Pluralism Protestantism dominated America until 1880s. 1880s—southern and eastern Europeans began to emigrate. Catholics worried about protestant education—created parochial (church run) schools. Culture began to say, if you don’t agree, be quiet. Referring to scripture to settle differences became strongly discouraged.