ImmigrationCHAPTER 10, SECTION 1

“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.

‘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

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

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.

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.

Cities Expand and ChangeCHAPTER 10, SECTION 2

A Nation of CitiesDuring 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.

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.

Problems of City LifeAs 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.

Social and Cultural TrendsCHAPTER 10, SECTION 3

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.

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.

Review Today’s Topics1) Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the ‘new’

immigrant that came to the U.S. in the late 1800s?a) Came from southern and eastern Europe c) Catholic or Jewish

b) Unskilled workers d) Protestant

2) What country did many immigrants who came from Asia come from?a) Japan c) Germany

b) China d) England

3) Low-cost family housing was known as a ____________________. a) steerage c) tenements

b) ghettos d) depots

Ticket-Out-the-Door

Identify at least 2 reasons why immigrants LEFT their

home countries.