1. Immigration to the New World
America had seen a stream of immigrants since 1820’s, but the numbers dramatically increased in the late 19th century
The New Immigrants
-revolution nations
-Jews, Catholics and repressed religions
-Eastern European countries

2. -searching for the “American Dream”
Over 10 million people came to the shores
of the United States in a few short years.
-searching for the
“American Dream”
= fame and fortune – “streets paved with gold”
= new business opportunities
=free land and rich farming
=political and religious independence

3. Their first step to entrance into America was through…
Ellis Island
dehumanizing process to receive entrance to America
A series of checkpoints, evaluations and physical and mental testing to determine if one was fit for entrance
One could be returned for failing one part of the process

4. Scenes from Ellis Island

5. Located in San Francisco Bay
On the west coast –
Angel Island
Located in San Francisco Bay
Chinese and Asian immigrants were processed there
Known as the Guardian of the Western Gate
Was used as a Detention facility after opening because of the passing of the Chinese Exclusion Act 1882

6. Scenes from Angel Island

7. The Anti-Foreign Movement = Nativism
Concern over “mixing” with
European peoples
-blamed for the degradation
of urban society
-work for low wages
-fear of socialism, communism
and anarchism
American Protective Association (APA)
-protect America from
the scum of Europe

8. In the late 1800’s, America experienced a period of urbanization
Although cities had been in existence for years,
their growth exploded with immigrants arriving daily.
By 1900, more than 40% of city populations were foreigners.
Life in the city was exciting, but it was also hard.

9. Growing cities faced many problems caused by overcrowding and poverty
In 1890, there were over 700 people an acre in some NY neighborhoods.
They had to live within walking distance to their work.
Most urban workers lived in tenements
(the Dumbbell tenement)

10. Apartments, even one room, may be shared by several families
Tenements were low cost multifamily housing designed to house as many people as possible
There were few windows, little sanitation, no running water or restroom facilities.
Apartments, even one room, may be shared by several families

11. Cities were filthy. Unpaved streets littered with trash.
Dead animals were left to rot.
Alleys were clogged with food waste.
Shared tenement toilets overflowed.
Water was generally polluted.
Disease was rampant among tenement dwellers.

12. Crime was a major problem.
Gangs ruled the streets, including child gangs, for safety from other criminals
Police allowed workers to sleep in station houses to avoid the violence
Cities also had to deal with fire
One careless act could destroy an entire city
(The Great Chicago Fire of 1871)

13. These issues, coupled with the problems of the Industrial Revolution, cause the American people to demand something be done.
Cities implemented:
City planning commissions
Building and housing inspections
Build sewers & water filtration
Waste management (trash collection)
Police forces
Fire departments
Street cleaners
Although Industrialization, Urbanization and Immigration benefited American society, they also produced challenging social problems.

14. The Progressive Era (1890’s - 1913)
There were people who believed that new ideas and honest efficient government could bring about social justice.
America entered
The Progressive Era
(1890’s )