1. Immigration During the Gilded Age

7. Immigration 1850-1930: 1860-1900 (highest!)
45 MILLION IMMIGRANTS
(highest!)
14 million newcomers to the US
(Before 1890 they were more “OLD” after 1890 they were “NEW”
Called entrance to America the Golden Door

9. I vs. E Emigrant is someone leaving their home country
Immigrant is someone entering a new country
E = exit I = In

10. The Journey Most took a steamship across the oceans
1 week from Europe
3 weeks from Japan
Slept in very poor conditions on the boat
Disease spread fast

11. Arrival into the US
Ellis Island (NYC) was the entry point for European Immigrants
Had to pass the following tests
Physical Exam
Literacy/Obedience Tests
Had to read 40 words in English or refused entry
Government Inspector Questions
Were they a felon?
Able to work?
Had money? ($25)

13. Arrival in the US
Asians typically entered on the West Coast at Angel Island (San Fran Bay)
Called America The Golden Mountain
Terrible admitting procedures
Harsher Questions
Longer wait and filthy detention centers

15. Restricting Immigrants
Many Americans thought their country was a Melting Pot
Mixture of all types of people
Nativists rise again
Targeted the new immigrants
WHY?
Xenophobia
Extreme fear or hatred of foreigners

16. Anti-Asian Sentiment
Fear of native born Americans that Chinese will take their jobs
Very high in California
Congress passes Chinese Exclusion Act (1882)
Banned Chinese entry except students, teachers, tourists and government officials
Not repealed until 1943

17. Anti-Asian Sentiment
San-Francisco schools put Japanese students in separate schools
Japan protested
President Theodore Roosevelt passed in 1908 The Gentleman’s Agreement
Japan to limit unskilled workers entering US and San Fran will stop segregating