chapter 15, quickly immigration and urbanization
TRANSCRIPT
Chapter 15, quicklyImmigration and Urbanization
New Waves of Immigrants: Europe•“Old Immigrants” – Most from western
and northern Europe – many protestant, many speak English
•“New Immigrants” – in addition to old sources, many more coming from southern and eastern Europe▫Escape religious persecution (Russian Jews
for example)▫Population pressures▫More freedom
New Immigration: Asia and Caribbean/Mexico•Gold rush, rail work draws large numbers
of Chinese workers•Hawaii draws large numbers of Japanese
migrants – farming•Many in West Indies and Mexico come to
find work or escape political upheaval
Points of Entry
•Ellis Island – NY▫Point of entry for Europeans▫Doctor’s examination, prove clean record,
demonstrate ability to work, have SOME money (post-1909, $25)
•Angel Island – CA▫Point of entry for Asian migrants▫Similar procedures, though generally
harsher than Ellis
Life for Immigrants
•Often work low-wage jobs, factory workers
•Live in tenement homes – crowded, generally poor sanitation: “How the Other Half Lives”
•Often live in ethnic neighborhoods or “ghettos”▫E.g. Little Italy, Chinatown ▫Nice support network – familiar language
and customs
Anti-Immigrant Sentiment• Religious, cultural, linguistic friction with new
immigrants• Competition for jobs• Results in rise of “Nativism”• 1882 – Chinese Exclusion Act – bans all
manual laborers from China from coming – not removed until 1943
• 1907 – Gentlemen’s Agreement – Pres. Teddy Roosevelt agrees to stop segregation of Japanese kids in San Fran if Japan limits unskilled migrants
Urbanization: Challenges•Housing – tenements•Transport – how to move large numbers of
people in tight spaces•Water – safe water, indoor plumbing•Sanitation – how to handle large amounts
of waste•Crime – masses of people make criminals
more anonymous•Fire – limited water supplies, cramped
conditions, kerosene lamp/heat = potential disaster
The Political Machine•Political leaders, a.k.a. Party “Bosses” provide
service to voters in exchange for votes/financing – very business-like structure from: main boss ward bosses precinct captains
•Opens door for graft (using political influence for personal gain), embezzlement, etc.
•Ultimately leads to some reforms to try to ensure fairness in government – example: establish Civil Service Commission to staff government jobs