Immigration

Chapter 7, section 1

Prior to the 1880s immigrants came from

Great Britain, Germany, Ireland, and Scandinavia

Most were Protestants

Old immigrants

Southern and Eastern Europe (about 20

million) China and Japan (about 500,000) West Indies (about

260,000) Mexico (about

700,000)

*Many were Catholic, Jewish,or Orthodox

New Immigrants

Famine in their home countries Land shortages Religious persecution Political persecution

Why did they come?

Almost everyone came by steamship Journey across the Atlantic was 1 week Journey across the Pacific was 3 weeks

How did they get here?

Located in NYC Process took 5 hours

Had to pass a physical Had to have documents proving they had never

been convicted of a felony Had to have some money ($25)

17 million immigrants went through here Angel Island was located in San Francisco

(processed 50,000 people)

Ellis Island

Had to find a place to live Had to find a job Unfamiliar language Unfamiliar culture

Challenges once they arrived…..

Most settled in cities

They tended to move into neighborhoods with other people of the same nationality

Many lived in tenements – poorly built, overcrowded apartments

Immigrant Life

Many people were ok with immigrants from

the “right” countries – Britain, Germany, Scandinavia – who were white Protestants

They wanted a “melting pot” – where people came here and tried to blend in

They were especially opposed to Catholics and Jews

Immigration from China was banned 1882-1943

Nativism