immigration and urbanization. immigration in america immigrants come to america to find a better...
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IMMIGRATION AND URBANIZATION
Immigration in America
Immigrants come to America to find a better life
Immigration also increased the Industrial Boom!
Majority came from Britain, Ireland, Germany, Italy, Russia, China, and Japan From 1866-1915 25
million immigrants came over
Immigration in America
Most arrive in steamships Often travel in cargo holds 1 week across the Atlantic and a 3-week journey across the Pacific “Oh God, I was sick. Everybody was sick. I don’t even want to
remember anything about that old boat. One night I prayed to God that it would go down because the waves were washing over it. I was that sick, I didn’t care if it went down or not.” - Bertha Devlin, an Irish immigrant 1923
Conditions on the steamships were very poor and overcrowded. They were not allowed on deck, slept in louse-infested bunks, shared toilets, and in such conditions disease spread quickly. Some even died before they reached America.
Immigrants traveling to the United States
Ellis Island
Main immigration station on the East Coast
Nearly 11,000 people entered the US at Ellis Island each day
Immigrants had to pass several tests before they were allowed to stay in America Physical exam (5 hours),
government inspections, literacy tests, ability to work, money to get started, etc.
Quotes from Immigrants coming through Ellis Island
http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/immigration/tour/stop5.htm (separation)
http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/immigration/tour/stop9.htm ($20)
Liberty Enlightening the World
The Statue of Liberty greeted those entering Ellis Island.
Designed by Frederick Bartholdi, the skeletal framework within the monument was made by Alexandre Eiffle His mother is believed to be the
model A gift from France to
symbolize our alliance during the American Revolution. The people of France financed the statue itself while Americans financed the pedestal and island.
The Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty was unveiled October 28th, 1886
“Lady Liberty” portrays a woman escaping the chains of tyranny Torch – liberty Tablet – The date of our
independence is inscribed 7 Spikes on her crown – 7
seas and continents
Project cost $87 million and took 2 years to complete http://teacher.scholastic.com
/activities/immigration/tour/stop2.htm
Angel Island
Main immigration station on the West Coast
Immigrants were treated more harshly here because of their Asian descent Difficult questioning Filthy buildings Confined liked
prisoners until their fate was decided
Anti-Asian Sentiment
Native-born workers in the West feared their jobs would go to the Chinese, who would accept lower wages.
1882 Chinese Exclusion Act Banned entry to all Chinese
except students, teachers, merchants, tourists, and government officials
In 1902 Chinese immigration was restricted indefinitely
Anti-Asian Sentiment
San Francisco segregated Japanese in school.
Gentlemen’s Agreement – Japan would limit emigration of unskilled workers to America, if San Francisco repeals its segregation order.
Culture Shock
Confusion and anxiety caused by a new culture and language
Immigrants from places like Russia, Italy, China, and Japan were generally not well liked. Why? Previous country had yet to
experience Industrial Revolution
Ethnic communities formed to help immigrants cope (like little Italy) Speak native language Learn new customs together
Melting Pot
The US becomes known as a melting pot Immigrant groups
assimilate into the dominant culture
Some argue that we are now a salad bowl instead of a melting pot. Why do you think
that is?
Urbanization = rapid growth of cities
Many move to the cities because of more opportunities and cheaper living
Urbanization
Urbanization
6 major problems associated with urbanization:
Housing – Overcrowded, unsanitary, 2-3 families living in a single home
Transportation – Develop public transportation to help; cable cars, subways
Urbanization
Water – Begin chlorinating water in 1893 to make it safer to drink
Sanitation – Animal and human waste, pollution, garbage piled in streets. Create sanitation departments and sewage lines.
Fire – Limited water supply and wood dwellings Cincinnati creates the 1st paid
fire department in 1853 Crime – Pickpockets, thieves,
con men, gangs New York city creates the
first police department in 1844
Sanitation Problems
Political Machines
Control enough votes to maintain political and administrative control of the city Often led by one person
“Boss” behind the scenes Offer services to citizens
and businesses in exchange for financial or political support City jobs or contracts Political Appointments Help immigrants gain
citizenship
Political Machines
Political Machines had control over political offices and city jobs Fire, Police,
Sanitation, Etc. Bosses also took
large amounts of “graft” or kickbacks Falsified bills and
accepted bribes
The Tweed Ring
Led by William Marcy Tweed
Controlled New York City (Tammany Hall)
Illegally took $200 million in graft
A Political cartoonist, Thomas Nast, helped expose Tweed Resulted in Tweeds
arrest
The Merit System
Reformers called for an end to the Spoils System Giving government jobs to those who helped them
win election The Pendleton Act:
Required jobs in civil service to be based on qualifications, not political connections