Patterns in U.S. ImmigrationUS History: Spiconardi

Colonial ImmigrationThe ImmigrantsPredominately EnglishAlso Scotch-Irish, some German, Swedish, and Dutch Africans via the slave tradeReasonsPolitical & Religious FreedomImprovement of economic standing

Colonial Immigration Difficulties FacedConflict over land with IndiansBuilding of homes/farms in an unfamiliar territoryContributionsGovernment = Representative DemocracyReligion = Christianity (Protestantism)Cultural traditions

Old Immigration 1780s - 1850The ImmigrantsNorthern and Western EuropeanIrish, German, and Scandinavian ReasonsIrish = Potato famineGerman = Political revolution in Germany

Old Immigration 1780s-1850Difficulties FacedIrish and German Catholics faced discriminationUS predominately ProtestantFeared Catholics more loyal to pope than USAAmericans feared economic competition posed by immigrants (cheap labor)

Old Immigration 1780s-1850ContributionsIrish = Helped build railroads, canals, and worked in factoriesGermans & Scandinavians = Brought newer farming techniques and kindergarten

New Immigration: 1850-1924The ImmigrantsItaly, Poland, Russia (Jews)China & Japan

New Immigration: 1850-1924ReasonsFarm poverty & job insecurity Available work and land opportunity in AmericaWars & mandatory military servicePolitical uncertainty & tyrannyDemocratic political system in United States

Religious OppressionPogroms against JewsHigher standard of livingOpportunity for social mobility

New Immigration: 1850-1924Difficulties FacedAssimilation ProcessLoss of native cultural values & traditionsFaced backlash from NativistsOften violenceJob and housing discriminationLife in the GhettoTenement housing & unsanitary conditions in the Northeast urban centers.

New Immigration: 1850-1924ContributionsItalians = masonryJews = Young ladies in the garment industryPoles & Slavs = Coal mines in PennsylvaniaChinese = Labor on transcontinental railroad in the West