1. Immigration
Chapter 10, section 1

2. “New Immigrants”
Prior to the 1870s, most immigrants had come from Protestant-dominated countries in northern and western Europe.
These immigrants were generally accepted into the workforce.
The “new immigrants” that arrived from the 1870s- early 1900s were generally unskilled, poor, catholic or Jewish from southern and eastern Europe.
Because these immigrants came in such large numbers, Americans felt threatened by the numerous cultures and languages.

3. ‘Push’ and ‘Pull’ Factors
‘Push’ factors factors that drove immigrants out of their home countries
Loss of land
Wars and political upheaval
Religious persecution
‘Pull’ factors factors that attracted immigrants to the United States
Large tracts of land
Abundance of work
Religious/political freedom
Family already here

4. Immigrant Experience
Immigrants faced both a difficult journey, as well as difficult process to be admitted into the United States.
Journey
Very little money only brought what was absolutely needed and could carry;
Traveled in steerage, the crowded lower decks of a steamship;
Cramped and dirty– illnesses spread very quickly, so some passengers did die during the journey

5. Arrival in America
Immigrants coming from Europe would check in at Ellis Island in New York City.
In order to enter, immigrants had to be healthy and show they had money, a skill, or a sponsor already in the United States.
Only about 2% of immigrants were denied entrance into the U.S.
Immigrants from Asia would check in at Angel Island in San Francisco.
Most of the immigrants were Chinese, and often times kept for weeks at a time, unlike their Ellis Island counterparts.

6. Challenges for Immigrants
Most immigrants lived in ethnic neighborhoods in cities once they had arrived.
Many citizens were not accepting of these immigrants because of nativism– the belief that native-born, white Americans were superior to newcomers.
Often times immigrants underwent a process known as Americanization.
They would learn English and American dress.
Some saw the U.S. as a ‘melting pot’ where people from all nationalities blended into one culture.

7. Cities Expand and Change
Chapter 10, Section 2

8. A Nation of Cities
During the late 19th century, the U.S. experienced a rapid urbanization.
Cities offered many advantages for both citizens and immigrants.
Wide variety of jobs for men and women;
Greater access to schools for children;
Greater access to entertainment and cultural activities;
Opportunity to raise a family’s standard of living.

9. Technological Improvements
Mass transit improved transportation within these growing cities.
This helped encourage the movement of the middle- class into the suburbs.
Cities became more functional and beautiful as the concept of city planning grew.
Skyscrapers dominated the city skyline, and with the development of the elevator safety brake by Elisha Otis, they grew in height.

10. Problems of City Life
As cities expanded and grew, many problems also arose.
Substandard housing known as tenements (low- cost multi-family housing designed to accommodate as many families as possible) spread;
Trash and filth littered the streets;
Lack of clean water;
High incidence of crime.

11. Social and Cultural Trends
Chapter 10, Section 3

12. Americans Become Consumers
The late 1800s are often referred to as the ‘Gilded Age’, a term taken from a Mark Twain novel.
It referred to the U.S. as a gold-covered rotten apple.
The U.S. seemed to be better on the outside, but a closer look showed the true problems.
Consumption patterns changed during the late 19th century because people had more money to spend.
Advertising emerged to attract consumers and department stores emerged encouraging consumers to buy brand-name goods.

13. Mass Culture
Improvements in transportation and the growth of cities encouraged the spread of culture on a widespread scale. This was known as mass culture.
Mass culture spread through newspapers, books and art.
Public education spread as well, in which children took the same courses across the country.
New forms of entertainment emerged, including: amusement parks, outdoor events, vaudeville shows, movies, and spectator sports.