Age of Immigration
Push Factors Conditions in your homeland that cause you to want to leave and come to America. –Famine, lack of jobs, lack of freedom, political or religious persecution
Pull Factors Conditions in America that attract you to this country. –Jobs, freedom, land, hope for a better life
“Old” Immigrants: Came from Northern/western Europe –England, Ireland, Scotland –Between
“New” Immigrants: Came from Southern and Eastern Europe –Italy, Greece, Russia, Poland, etc… –Between 1880 and 1920
Assimilation: The process of becoming part of another culture.
Ethnic Neighborhoods Created Most set up in major cities Immigrants live within ethnic “enclaves” –Offers familiarity, comfort –Benefits of old and new life –Little Italy, China Town, etc… –Tenement Life
Before and After Mullberry St. 1900Mullberry St. 2012
Anti-Immigrant Feelings Many nativists have fear, suspicion of new immigrants. –“weird” religions, customs, traditions, language, etc… –Nativists want to limit immigration and preserve the country for native-born, white Protestants.
Chinese Exclusion Act Passed in 1882 to ban all Chinese immigrants from entering USA. 10 Year ban renewed several times before repealed in Angel Island, near San Francisco, is used for Chinese who do enter country (like Ellis Island).
Quota System Set up to limit the number of “new” immigrants coming to America Once quota was met, the “doors” were closed to the country.