Immigration in the United States of America

Ethnicity and Nationality

Eastern and Southern Europeans 1890s

Italians, Greeks,

Russians, Polish

Why America? Why migration?Economic, Political, Religious, Military

“Crowds everywhere, ill smelling bunks, uninviting washrooms…the odors of scattered orange peelings, tobacco, garlic and disinfectants meeting but not blending…” -Clergyman who posed as in immigrant to write book on immigration conditions

Ellis and Angel Island

1 out of every 5 immigrants marked

Assimilation

English language

Marketable skills or $$$

Members of own ethnic group

Asian Immigration

China: Mid 1800s – Severe unemployment– Poverty– Gold rush– Demand for railroad workers

Japan: 1900-1910– Industrial economy and empire– Disrupt economy and time honored traditions

Nativism